Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:1-2
These verses state that the priests, the Levites, shall have no inheritance among the people, which seems consistent with Numbers 18:20, but it also emphasizes that they have a portion and inheritance with the Lord, highlighting more of a positive aspect rather than the denial of inheritance.
Deuteronomy 18:1-2: The priests the Levites, [and] all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance.
Contradiction with Joshua 13:14
This verse states that Levi was given no inheritance in the land as the offerings of the Lord are their inheritance, which aligns with Numbers 18:20 in spiritual terms but contrasts the lack of land inheritance by emphasizing the provision through offerings.
Joshua 13:14: Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire [are] their inheritance, as he said unto them.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 44:28
This verse declares that God is their possession instead of physical land, which might seem consistent at first but shifts the focus from lacking land to a profound spiritual inheritance.
Ezekiel 44:28: And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I [am] their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I [am] their possession.
Paradox #1
In Numbers 18:20, God tells Aaron that he will not have a portion of land among the Israelites because God himself will be his portion. A possible contradiction or conflict arises when considering other parts of the Bible that describe the Promised Land as an inheritance for all of Israel. Aaron's descendants, the Levites, are set apart and do not receive land like the other tribes. This can seem inconsistent with the idea of all Israelites receiving part of the Promised Land. Other scriptures emphasize land inheritance, which may seem at odds with the Levites' unique inheritance being God himself.
Paradox #2
One possible contradiction with Numbers 18:20 is related to the distribution of land among the tribes of Israel. In this verse, God tells Aaron that the Levites, who are his descendants, will not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes. However, elsewhere in the Bible, such as Joshua 21, the Levites are allocated cities within the other tribes' territories. This can seem inconsistent because, on one hand, they are said to have no land inheritance, yet they are given specific cities to live in.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction in Numbers 18:20 might stem from the idea of fairness and equality. This verse suggests that the Levites, a specific group, do not receive a share of land as inheritance like other tribes, but instead have a spiritual role and other forms of support. This could be seen as inconsistent with the idea of equal material distribution among all groups, which might seem unfair or create a sense of inequality.