Contradictions and Paradoxes in Numbers 16:37

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Numbers 16:37 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Numbers 16:37. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, the author of the book, God told Eleazar, who was a helper of the priests, to pick up special bowls from a fire because they were now holy. These bowls were important because they had been used to worship God.

Numbers 16:37: Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for they are hallowed.

Contradiction with Numbers 4:15

Numbers 4:15 states that no one should touch the holy things lest they die, yet in Numbers 16:37, Eleazar is instructed to handle the censers of the sinners who died.

Numbers 4:15: And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]: but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die. These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Contradiction with Numbers 18:7

Numbers 18:7 emphasizes that any outsider who comes near the sanctuary shall be put to death, whereas in Numbers 16:37 Eleazar, a Levite but not the high priest, is handling holy articles.

Numbers 18:7: Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office [unto you] as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

Contradiction with 2 Samuel 6:6-7

In 2 Samuel 6:6-7, Uzzah is struck dead for touching the ark, which contrasts with Numbers 16:37 where Eleazar was to handle censers from the dead with no punishment mentioned.

2 Samuel 6:6-7: And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth [his hand] to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook [it]. [Nachon: also called Chidon] [shook it: or, stumbled]

Contradiction with Hebrews 9:7

Hebrews 9:7 mentions only the high priest can enter the holy of holies, but in Numbers 16:37, Eleazar is given a duty typically reserved for someone with higher priestly authority.

Hebrews 9:7: But into the second [went] the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and [for] the errors of the people:
Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.