Contradiction with Exodus 17:6
In Exodus 17:6, God commands Moses to strike the rock at Horeb to bring forth water, whereas in Numbers 20:10, Moses is instructed to speak to the rock, but instead strikes it, showing a lack of adherence to God's specific instructions.
Exodus 17:6: Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
Contradiction with Numbers 20:12
Numbers 20:12 highlights the punishment of Moses and Aaron for not believing or sanctifying God in the eyes of the Israelites due to their actions in Numbers 20:10, showing a lack of faith and disobedience in contrast to what was expected.
Numbers 20:12: And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 32:51
This verse explains that Moses and Aaron's failure at Kadesh (referencing Numbers 20:10) was due to their lack of sanctifying God before the people, contradicting the action they took in straying from God's command.
Deuteronomy 32:51: Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel. [Meribah-Kadesh: or, strife at Kadesh]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict in Numbers 20:10 may arise when comparing Moses' actions here with God's instructions. God told Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water, but Moses struck the rock instead. This action led to God rebuking Moses and Aaron, saying they did not trust Him enough to honor Him as holy, which resulted in their punishment of not entering the Promised Land. The inconsistency is between what Moses was told to do and what he actually did.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency related to "Numbers 20:10" could be about Moses striking the rock to bring forth water, which differs from an earlier event where he was commanded to speak to the rock. The inconsistency arises in the specific actions and instructions given to Moses between the different accounts.
Paradox #3
Numbers 20:10 can present a moral conflict regarding faith and obedience. Moses is instructed by God to speak to a rock to bring forth water for the Israelites, but instead, he strikes the rock twice with his staff. The conflict arises when considering Moses' actions: he disobeys God's specific instruction, which can be seen as a lack of faith or trust in God's word. This disobedience ultimately leads to consequences for Moses, highlighting the tension between human actions and divine commands.