Contradiction with Genesis 12:6
Genesis 12:6 describes the location of Shechem and the plain of Moreh, highlighting a different geographical focus compared to Numbers 21:15.
Genesis 12:6: And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite [was] then in the land. [plain: Heb. plains]
Contradiction with Exodus 17:6
Exodus 17:6 involves Moses striking the rock at Horeb for water, indicating a different miraculous intervention than the Arnon narratives in Numbers 21:15.
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 Deuteronomy 2:24
Deuteronomy 2:24 commands Israel to begin possessing the land of Heshbon, whereas Numbers 21:15 briefly notes the geographical limits tied to the border of Moab.
Deuteronomy 2:24: Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess [it], and contend with him in battle. [begin...: Heb. begin, possess]
Contradiction with Joshua 12:1
Joshua 12:1 provides a summary of conquered lands across Jordan, whereas Numbers 21:15 specifically details geographical descriptions about the Arnon valley.
Joshua 12:1: Now these [are] the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east:
Contradiction with Judges 11:18
Judges 11:18 recounts a journey bypassing Edom and Moab, not detailing the terrain features as in Numbers 21:15.
Judges 11:18: Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon [was] the border of Moab.
Contradiction with Isaiah 16:2
Isaiah 16:2 portrays Moabite women at the fords of Arnon, contrasting with Numbers 21:15’s geographic boundaries without additional narratives.
Isaiah 16:2: For it shall be, [that], as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, [so] the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon. [cast...: or, a nest forsaken]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 48:20
Jeremiah 48:20 mourns Moab's fate, differing from Numbers 21:15’s focus on geographic features.
Jeremiah 48:20: Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,