Contradiction with Exodus 32:14
This verse shows God repenting and relenting from bringing harm to His people, contrasting with Numbers 16:46 where immediate action is taken by Aaron to stop a plague sent by God.
Exodus 32:14: And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.
Contradiction with James 1:13
This verse suggests that God does not tempt or induce evil, contradicting Numbers 16:46 where God's wrath results in a plague that Aaron must intervene to stop.
James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [evil: or, evils]
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:32
This verse expresses that God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone, contrasting with the deadly plague described in Numbers 16:46.
Ezekiel 18:32: For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye. [yourselves: or, others]
Contradiction with 1 John 4:8
Describes God as love, conflicting with the portrayal of God's wrath and the punitive action in Numbers 16:46.
1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Contradiction with Matthew 9:13
Jesus speaks of mercy and not sacrifice, a concept that appears to be at odds with the need for atonement and ceremonial intervention found in Numbers 16:46.
Matthew 9:13: But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:11
God expresses displeasure with burnt offerings, which is in contrast with Aaron using incense to atone for the people's sins in Numbers 16:46.
Isaiah 1:11: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [he goats: Heb. great he goats]
Paradox #1
The possible contradiction in Numbers 16:46 could be related to the idea of stopping a plague through religious or ritual means, which may not align with modern understanding of disease control and treatment. In contemporary science, plagues and diseases are typically managed through medical interventions, hygiene practices, and scientific research, rather than through religious rituals.
Paradox #2
Numbers 16:46 could be seen as conflicting with the notion of a compassionate and forgiving God. In this verse, action is taken to stop a plague sent by God as punishment. Some might find it inconsistent that a loving God would both send a severe punishment and then provide a means to stop it. This can create confusion about the nature of divine justice and mercy.