Contradiction with Exodus 17:7
The event at Meribah refers to earlier doubt and testing of the Lord, whereas Numbers 20:13 reflects a later instance involving Moses' disobedience.
Exodus 17:7: And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not? [Massah: that is, Temptation] [Meribah: that is, Chiding, or, Strife]
Contradiction with Numbers 27:14
The verse highlights Moses and Aaron's rebellion against God's command, while Numbers 20:13 doesn't mention God's specific punishment as a result.
Numbers 27:14: For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that [is] the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 32:51
It states Moses' punishment for not sanctifying God, unlike Numbers 20:13, which focuses on the event without detailing the consequences for Moses.
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]
Contradiction with Hebrews 3:8-9
These verses refer to the hardened hearts during the provocation in the wilderness, whereas Numbers 20:13 attributes the strife to the congregation's actions.
Hebrews 3:8-9: Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Paradox #1
The contradiction in Numbers 20:13 could be the differing accounts of the events at Meribah. In Numbers, it refers to Moses striking the rock to bring forth water, while in other parts of the Bible, like Exodus 17, there's a similar but slightly different account. These differences raise questions about the consistency of the story details in different texts.