Contradiction with Psalm 78:19
This verse shows people questioning if God can prepare a table in the wilderness, which contradicts Numbers 21:5 as it reveals discontent despite God's provision.
Psalm 78:19: Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? [furnish: Heb. order]
Contradiction with Exodus 16:3
The Israelites express a desire for the food in Egypt, contradicting with their complaints about the manna in Numbers 21:5.
Exodus 16:3: And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, [and] when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 8:3
This verse highlights God's provision of manna to humble and teach reliance on Him, contrasting the Israelites' complaint about lacking bread in Numbers 21:5.
Deuteronomy 8:3: And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
Contradiction with John 6:31
Here, the crowd acknowledges the manna given from heaven, contradicting the Israelites' disdain for the manna mentioned in Numbers 21:5.
John 6:31: Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Paradox #1
The people complain against God and Moses for being brought out of Egypt and having no food and water, despite God providing for them. This could seem contradictory because it shows a lack of trust in God’s provision and plan, even after witnessing miracles. It highlights human inconsistency in faith and gratitude.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Numbers 21:5 is that the Israelites complain about having no food and detest the "miserable food" they have, despite the fact that earlier texts mention God providing them with manna, a miraculous food. This can seem inconsistent because they are complaining despite having divine sustenance provided by God.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict could arise from the people's ingratitude and complaint against God despite being freed from slavery and provided for in the desert. It challenges the values of gratitude and trust in divine provision.