Contradiction with Matthew 15:11
This verse suggests that what comes out of a person's mouth, not what goes into it or any external condition like cleanliness, is what defiles a person.
Matthew 15:11: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Contradiction with Mark 7:18-19
Jesus explains that nothing external entering someone can defile them, implying ritual cleanliness is not important.
Mark 7:18-19: Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
Contradiction with Acts 10:28
Peter realizes that God has shown him not to call any person common or unclean, indicating a shift away from Old Testament purity laws.
Acts 10:28: And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Contradiction with Acts 15:9
God made no distinction between people, purifying their hearts by faith, suggesting internal faith is more important than external ritual purity.
Acts 15:9: And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Contradiction with Romans 14:14
Paul states that no food is unclean in itself, which could be extended to imply a broader interpretation of cleanliness beyond ritual laws.
Romans 14:14: I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean. [unclean: Gr. common]
Contradiction with Colossians 2:16-17
Paul advises not to let anyone judge you by religious rituals, which includes concepts of cleanliness from the Old Testament law.
Colossians 2:16-17: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: [in meat...: or, for eating and drinking] [respect: or, part]
Contradiction with Hebrews 10:22
Encourages believers to draw near to God with a true heart, with full assurance of faith, having hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience, highlighting an internal spiritual purification rather than physical or ritual purity.
Hebrews 10:22: Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Contradiction with Galatians 5:1
Emphasizes freedom from the law, suggesting that believers are not bound by the ritual purity laws given in the Old Testament.
Galatians 5:1: Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Paradox #1
The inconsistency some people note with Numbers 19:13 involves the strictness of laws about ceremonial cleanliness. These laws might seem harsh or unfair compared to the New Testament teachings about grace and forgiveness through Jesus. The Old Testament emphasizes a lot of ritual purity, while the New Testament focuses more on spiritual purity, which can seem contradictory.
Paradox #2
Numbers 19:13 may seem to conflict with other parts of the Bible regarding the concept of uncleanness and purification. The verse emphasizes strict consequences for being ritually unclean and not undergoing purification, which might appear at odds with passages that highlight God's forgiveness and mercy. Additionally, the detailed purification rituals in the Old Testament can seem inconsistent with the New Testament's focus on faith and grace over ritual law.
Paradox #3
The possible contradiction with Numbers 19:13 could be related to the idea of ritual purification with water mixed with the ashes of a sacrificed cow. Scientifically, this doesn't align with our understanding of disease prevention and sanitation, which rely on germ theory and antiseptics rather than ritualistic practices.