Numbers 16:21 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Moses, God was upset with the people for their bad behavior and wanted Moses and his brother Aaron to move away so He could punish those who did wrong. God wanted to show that He did not like the people's actions and that it's important to listen and follow His ways.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20

This verse states that individuals are responsible for their own sin, whereas Numbers 16:21 implies collective punishment.

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

This verse emphasizes that children should not be punished for the sins of their parents, unlike the collective punishment suggested in Numbers 16:21.

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 Romans 14:12

This verse indicates that each person will give an account of themselves to God, contradicting the idea of communal judgment in Numbers 16:21.

Romans 14:12: So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 31:30

This verse asserts that everyone will die for their own sin, which conflicts with the broad punishment proposed in Numbers 16:21.

Jeremiah 31:30: But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.

Contradiction with Galatians 6:5

This verse implies individual responsibility, while Numbers 16:21 suggests group accountability.

Galatians 6:5: For every man shall bear his own burden.

Paradox #1

The verse in question involves God expressing anger toward the Israelites and intending to destroy them. Some might see a contradiction with the idea of God being loving and merciful, considering why a compassionate God would wish to annihilate His people. However, others understand this as part of the complex relationship between divine justice and mercy.

Paradox #2

Numbers 16:21 may raise questions about the fairness of collective punishment, where many are punished for the actions of a few. This could seem inconsistent with ideas of individual responsibility and justice.