Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 10:6
This verse warns against craving evil things, contradicting the craving shown in Numbers 11:4.
1 Corinthians 10:6: Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. [our...: Gr. our figures]
Contradiction with Philippians 4:11
This verse teaches contentment in all circumstances, opposing the dissatisfaction displayed in Numbers 11:4.
Philippians 4:11: Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.
Contradiction with Hebrews 13:5
This verse advises against covetousness and promotes contentment, contrasting the complaints found in Numbers 11:4.
Hebrews 13:5: [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:25
This verse encourages trust in God's provision, which contradicts the Israelites' dissatisfaction in Numbers 11:4.
Matthew 6:25: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Contradiction with James 1:14-15
These verses describe how personal desires lead to sin and death, opposing the cravings seen in Numbers 11:4.
James 1:14-15: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Paradox #1
Numbers 11:4 describes a group of people craving meat while complaining about the food provided to them. This could conflict with the idea of gratitude and reliance on divine provision, as these people are expressing dissatisfaction with what they received from God. Some might see this as a contradiction with teachings about being content and trusting in God’s provision, found elsewhere in the Bible.
Paradox #2
Numbers 11:4 speaks about the Israelites craving the food they had in Egypt. One potential contradiction is how they remember their time in Egypt. Earlier, their time in Egypt was described as harsh slavery, but here they nostalgically recall the food. This inconsistency could reflect a conflict between their current hardships in the desert and their selective memory of the past, highlighting the human tendency to idealize certain aspects of previous situations.
Paradox #3
The moral conflict in Numbers 11:4 could be seen as a struggle between contentment and desire. The people in the story express dissatisfaction and craving for more, despite having their needs met. This highlights a contradiction between being grateful for what one has and the perpetual yearning for what one does not have, which can lead to discontent and unhappiness.