Contradiction with Exodus 14:14
Contradiction in approach - Exodus 14:14 suggests waiting for the Lord to fight, while Numbers 21:33 indicates they went to battle.
Exodus 14:14: The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Contradiction in treatment of enemies - Matthew 5:44 promotes loving enemies, whereas Numbers 21:33 involves confronting and battling enemies.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Contradiction in vengeance - Romans 12:19 tells not to seek revenge, differing from the military action in Numbers 21:33.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 20:10
Contradiction in offering peace - Deuteronomy 20:10 suggests offering peace to enemies, unlike the direct confrontation in Numbers 21:33.
Deuteronomy 20:10: When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
Contradiction in vision of peace - Isaiah 2:4 prophesize beating swords into plowshares, contrasting the warfare approach in Numbers 21:33.
Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Paradox #1
Some people see a moral conflict in this verse because it involves the Israelites initiating battle and taking land from another group. This may seem inconsistent with other biblical teachings about love, mercy, and peace.