Contradiction with Matthew 6:19
This verse advises against laying up treasures on earth, whereas Nahum 2:9 describes the collection and storage of wealth.
Matthew 6:19: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:10
This verse describes the love of money as the root of all evil, contradicting Nahum 2:9's description of taking treasures.
1 Timothy 6:10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [erred: or, been seduced]
Contradiction with Proverbs 23:5
This verse warns about the fleeting nature of wealth, contrasting with Nahum 2:9’s depiction of gathering riches.
Proverbs 23:5: Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for [riches] certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. [set...: Heb. cause thine eyes to fly upon]
Contradiction with Luke 12:15
This verse warns against covetousness and states that life is more than possessions, conflicting with Nahum 2:9's focus on capturing wealth.
Luke 12:15: And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency sometimes noted with Nahum 2:9 is that it describes the plundering of Nineveh as having "endless wealth," which seems inconsistent with Assyrian records that depict Nineveh's wealth as finite and possibly exaggerated in the biblical account. Additionally, archaeological evidence does not fully support the notion of immense treasure as described. However, these are interpretations and the historical accuracy of such descriptions can be a matter of debate.
Paradox #2
Nahum 2:9 calls for taking wealth and plundering a city, which could conflict with biblical teachings that discourage theft and greed, such as "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15) and "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). This presents a moral inconsistency between the encouragement of taking wealth and the broader biblical principles against greed and stealing.