Contradiction with Leviticus 19:18
This verse emphasizes loving your neighbor as yourself, which contradicts the death penalty for gathering sticks on the Sabbath.
Leviticus 19:18: Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:7
This verse encourages mercy, contrasting with the punishment in Numbers 15:35.
Matthew 5:7: Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Contradiction with Matthew 12:7
Jesus highlights desiring mercy, not sacrifice, contrasting with the harsh penalty in Numbers 15:35.
Matthew 12:7: But if ye had known what [this] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
Contradiction with Luke 6:36
Calls for being merciful, which contradicts executing someone for gathering sticks.
Luke 6:36: Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Contradiction with James 2:13
Emphasizes mercy triumphing over judgment, opposing the severe judgment in Numbers 15:35.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Contradiction with John 8:7
Jesus advocates against stoning, contradicting the command to stone for Sabbath-breaking in Numbers 15:35.
John 8:7: So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict might arise from the perceived harshness of the punishment for the act described in the verse. It could be seen as conflicting with the later biblical themes of mercy, forgiveness, and the value of human life. Critics might argue that such a severe penalty seems inconsistent with a compassionate and forgiving God.
Paradox #2
Numbers 15:35 might be seen as having a contradiction or inconsistency because it prescribes a harsh punishment for what might seem like a minor offense. This could be seen as conflicting with later messages of mercy and forgiveness found in other parts of the Bible, such as in the teachings of Jesus about love and compassion in the New Testament. Some may see a difference between strict justice and mercy.
Paradox #3
One potential contradiction with the verse is the application of such a strict punishment as stoning for breaking the Sabbath, which might not align with how Sabbath laws were enforced at different times in history. Over time, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws could have evolved, leading to inconsistencies with this biblical account.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this context could be the severity of the punishment described, which conflicts with modern views on justice and morality. Many today see the punishment as too harsh for the offense, highlighting a moral inconsistency between ancient rules and contemporary ethical standards.
Paradox #5
The contradiction or conflict might arise from the harshness of the punishment described, which seems severe by contemporary standards, especially when compared to modern understandings of justice, mercy, and forgiveness. This can conflict with the view of a compassionate and forgiving deity.