Contradiction with Numbers 14:29
It contradicts Numbers 13:2, which involves the spies' exploration of Canaan, by declaring that those of age, except Caleb and Joshua, would die in the wilderness, reflecting a failure of the exploration's positive outcome.
Numbers 14:29: Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:22
It implies that the idea to send spies originated from the people, not God, contradicting Numbers 13:2 where God commands Moses to send men to search the land of Canaan.
Deuteronomy 1:22: And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come.
Contradiction with Numbers 14:34
The verse stresses the consequence of the spies' negative report, leading to 40 years of wandering, contrasting with Numbers 13:2, which begins the mission with divine instruction for success.
Numbers 14:34: After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, [even] forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, [even] forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. [breach...: or, altering of my purpose]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 9:23
Indicates a general disobedience in Kadesh-barnea where God commanded them to take the land, conflicting with the obedient reconnaissance mission instructed by God in Numbers 13:2.
Deuteronomy 9:23: Likewise when the LORD sent you from Kadeshbarnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then ye rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God, and ye believed him not, nor hearkened to his voice.
Paradox #1
Numbers 13:2 involves God instructing Moses to send spies to explore the land of Canaan. A potential theological inconsistency could be seen in the contrast between God's promise to give Israel the land and the need to spy or verify it first. Some might wonder why scouting was necessary if God had already guaranteed them the land. This might suggest a lack of trust or need for human confirmation of divine promise.