Numbers 1:13 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Moses, this verse is talking about a man named Pagiel, who is the son of Ocran, and he belongs to the tribe of Asher. In the Bible, this is part of a list naming important leaders from each tribe of Israel.

Contradiction with Genesis 1:31

Contradicts by showcasing that God saw everything he made and it was very good, while Numbers 1:13, being a census detail, could be seen as purely administrative and lacking inherent moral judgment.

Genesis 1:31: And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. [And the evening...: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.]

Contradiction with Exodus 20:4

This verse commands against making graven images, whereas Numbers 1:13 is part of a genealogical record, potentially promoting lineage visibility over God's commands against idols.

Exodus 20:4: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:

Contradiction with Matthew 4:7

"Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" contrasts with the idea of numbering or testing the tribes as found in Numbers, which could be seen as trying God's provision.

Matthew 4:7: Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. [tempt: or, try, or, put to trial, or, proof]

Contradiction with James 2:10

States that failing in one law is failing in all, contradicting the selective attention on tribes in Numbers 1:13.

James 2:10: For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

Contradiction with Hebrews 10:1

Mentions the law has a shadow of good things, not the very image, whereas Numbers 1:13 focuses on specific tribal heads, potentially overlooking the shadowing of something greater.

Hebrews 10:1: For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7

Emphasizes that God looks at the heart, not on outward appearances or classifications which is contrary to the emphasis on enumerating tribes in Numbers.