Contradiction with Numbers 16:46
In Numbers 16:45, God is about to destroy the people and instructs Moses and Aaron to separate themselves, whereas in Numbers 16:46, Moses commands Aaron to make an atonement for the people to stop the plague, showing a way of intervention and mercy.
Numbers 16:46: And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:23
In Numbers 16:45, God is ready to destroy the congregation, yet Ezekiel 18:23 states God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked and desires for them to turn from their ways and live, showing a disposition towards repentance and life.
Ezekiel 18:23: Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Contradiction with Jonah 4:2
Numbers 16:45 shows God's judgment, while Jonah 4:2 describes God as gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, emphasizing His desire to refrain from destruction.
Jonah 4:2: And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, [was] not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou [art] a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
In Numbers 16:45, God is intent on destruction, whereas 2 Peter 3:9 highlights God's patience and unwillingness that any should perish, preferring all to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Contradiction with James 2:13
Numbers 16:45 reflects immediate judgment, whereas James 2:13 states that mercy triumphs over judgment, suggesting a preference for leniency over strict justice.
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 Isaiah 55:7
The verse in Numbers shows impending wrath, while Isaiah 55:7 invites the wicked to forsake their ways, promising mercy and pardon upon repentance.
Isaiah 55:7: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [the unrighteous...: Heb. the man of iniquity] [abundantly...: Heb. multiply to pardon]
Paradox #1
This verse can raise questions about justice and collective punishment. It deals with punishment affecting many people for the wrongdoing of a few, which some may see as unfair or inconsistent with individual accountability.