Contradictions and Paradoxes in Numbers 1:33

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Numbers 1:33 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Numbers 1:33. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, this verse tells us how many people were in the tribe of Ephraim when God asked to count them. There were 40,500 people in that group.

Numbers 1:33: Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Ephraim, [were] forty thousand and five hundred.

Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 14:8

This verse mentions a different number for the strength of armies, contrasting the total given in Numbers 1:33.

2 Chronicles 14:8: And Asa had an army [of men] that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these [were] mighty men of valour.

Contradiction with Judges 7:2

God reduces the number of men in Gideon's army to show that victory does not depend on numbers, opposing the significance of large numbers in Numbers 1:33.

Judges 7:2: And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that [are] with thee [are] too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 14:6

Jonathan implies that numbers are irrelevant for God's ability to provide victory, contrasting the military census context of Numbers 1:33.

1 Samuel 14:6: And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for [there is] no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

Contradiction with Psalm 33:16-17

These verses suggest that a king is not saved by the multitude of an army, opposing the emphasis on large numbers in Numbers 1:33.

Psalm 33:16-17: There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 17:45

David's statement to Goliath highlights faith over numerical strength, providing a contrast with the census of men fit for war in Numbers 1:33.

1 Samuel 17:45: Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

Contradiction with Zechariah 4:6

This verse emphasizes reliance on God's spirit rather than numerical strength, which contrasts with the count in Numbers 1:33.

Zechariah 4:6: Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. [might: or, army]

Contradiction with Matthew 26:53

Jesus speaks of more than twelve legions of angels, suggesting divine power over human military numbers, opposing the earthly count in Numbers 1:33.

Matthew 26:53: But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

Contradiction with Proverbs 21:31

This verse emphasizes that safety is from the Lord rather than from horse or army numbers, differing from the focus in Numbers 1:33.

Proverbs 21:31: The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD. [safety: or, victory]
Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.