Contradiction with Exodus 16:3
In this verse, the Israelites express longing for the food they had in Egypt, showing a desire to return to Egyptian provisions rather than a disdain for it.
Exodus 16:3: And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, [and] when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
Contradiction with Numbers 11:4-6
The Israelites express a strong craving for meat and recall the variety of foods they had in Egypt, contrasting with their weariness of manna.
Numbers 11:4-6: And the mixt multitude that [was] among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? [fell...: Heb. lusted a lust] [wept...: Heb. returned and wept]
Contradiction with Psalms 78:18-20
The people question God's ability to provide meat in the wilderness, reflecting a challenge to God's provision rather than a rejection of it.
Psalms 78:18-20: And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.
Contradiction with Psalms 106:14
Demonstrates the Israelites' lust and desire for food in the wilderness, which contradicts their rejection of provision in Numbers 11:20.
Psalms 106:14: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. [lusted...: Heb. lusted a lust]
Contradiction with Numbers 21:5
The Israelites complain about the lack of food and water, and their loathing of the manna contrasts with their continuous cravings for sustenance.
Numbers 21:5: And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for [there is] no bread, neither [is there any] water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 8:3
Suggests that God's purpose was to teach reliance on His word, contrasting their constant complaints and dissatisfaction with God’s provisions in Numbers 11:20.
Deuteronomy 8:3: And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
Paradox #1
The moral conflict in Numbers 11:20 could involve God's response to the Israelites' complaints about not having enough variety in their diet. The punishment seems harsh for merely expressing dissatisfaction, raising questions about fairness and compassion. Some might see a contradiction between the severity of the response and the idea of a loving and forgiving deity.