Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
This verse states that individuals are responsible for their own sins, whereas Numbers 14:34 implies communal or generational punishment for the ancestors' actions.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16
It emphasizes that children should not be punished for the sins of their parents, contrasting with the concept in Numbers 14:34 of bearing the consequences of their fathers' actions.
Deuteronomy 24:16: The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 31:29-30
These verses indicate that people will only be responsible for their own sins, not inheriting the punishment for their ancestors, which is a direct contradiction to the principle in Numbers 14:34.
Jeremiah 31:29-30: In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.
Contradiction with 2 Kings 14:6
Reinforces the idea that each person is accountable for their own sins and not for the sins of their ancestors, opposing the concept presented in Numbers 14:34.
2 Kings 14:6: But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Paradox #1
The verse in question is part of a story where God tells the Israelites they will wander in the wilderness for 40 years because of their lack of faith. The contradiction or conflict might come from comparing this event to other Bible verses that emphasize God's mercy and forgiveness. Some might see a tension between God's punishment in this case and His often-portrayed forgiving nature elsewhere.
Paradox #2
The contradiction could be about the idea of long lifespans or specific timeframes that don't align with scientific understanding of human biology or historical timelines.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in the verse could be seen in the concept of collective punishment, where a group is punished for the actions of individuals. This raises questions about fairness and justice, as individuals who may not have been responsible for the actions can still suffer consequences, which seems inconsistent with the idea of personal responsibility.