Contradictions and Paradoxes in Numbers 18:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Numbers 18:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Numbers 18:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to traditional Christian understanding, God told Moses that the Levite people would receive a special gift of one-tenth of everything from the people of Israel. This was because the Levites had a special job to take care of the place where people came to worship God.

Numbers 18:21: And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, [even] the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Contradiction with Numbers 18:24

This verse states that tithes given to the Levites are their inheritance, which can imply a different form of reward compared to Numbers 18:21's implication of tithes as payment for their service.

Numbers 18:24: But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer [as] an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 14:22-23

This passage suggests that tithes are intended to be eaten by the Israelites in the presence of the Lord, which may contrast with Numbers 18:21's designation of tithes specifically for the Levites.

Deuteronomy 14:22-23: Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:5-7

Indicates that tithes are to be brought to the place the Lord chooses and consumed there by the family, presenting a potential conflict with tithes being solely for the Levites as stated in Numbers 18:21.

Deuteronomy 12:5-7: But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

Contradiction with Hebrews 7:5-6

Discusses how Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, suggesting the idea of tithes predates Levitical law and could be viewed as inconsistent with Numbers 18:21's focus on Levitical tithes.

Hebrews 7:5-6: And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

Paradox #1

Some people might see a contradiction between the command to give tithes to the Levites in this verse and other parts of the Bible where tithing is not emphasized or appears to be done differently. This could lead to questions about how tithing should be practiced or understood in different contexts.

Paradox #2

The contradiction or conflict that some might point out with Numbers 18:21 is that it mandates support for the Levites through tithes from the Israelites. While this system of support would have been essential for the time, the idea of a specific group receiving benefits from others can be seen as inconsistent with more modern ideals of equality or fair distribution of resources. Some might argue that this creates a hierarchical structure which can lead to inequality within the community.

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