Contradiction with Numbers 21:8-9
God provides a way to save the Israelites through the bronze serpent, contradicting the act of sending serpents as punitive without remedy.
Numbers 21:8-9: And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
Contradiction with Psalm 145:9
Describes God as good to all and full of compassion, contradicting the act of sending deadly serpents.
Psalm 145:9: The LORD [is] good to all: and his tender mercies [are] over all his works.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 29:11
God has plans to prosper and not harm, which contradicts sending serpents leading to death.
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. [expected...: Heb. end and expectation]
Contradiction with Ezekiel 33:11
God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, yet fiery serpents cause death among Israelites.
Ezekiel 33:11: Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Contradiction with 1 John 4:8
God is love, which contrasts with the punishment of sending serpents.
1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Contradiction with Matthew 7:11
Illustrates God as a giver of good gifts, which contrasts with sending serpents.
Matthew 7:11: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Contradiction with James 1:13
States that God does not tempt or send evil, contradicting sending serpents among Israelites.
James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [evil: or, evils]
Paradox #1
Numbers 21:6 might be seen as a contradiction or conflict because it describes God sending venomous snakes to punish the Israelites for their complaints. Some people find it difficult to reconcile this with the image of a loving and merciful God, creating a tension with other parts of the Bible that emphasize God's compassion and forgiveness.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency might come from the description of "fiery serpents" sent among the people. Some might question the presence or nature of these serpents, as there is limited historical or archaeological evidence to clarify what specific creatures these might have been, leading to debates about their literal or metaphorical interpretation.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction in the verse could relate to the portrayal of snakes acting with a specific purpose, directed by a divine command. Scientifically, animal behavior is explained by natural instincts and environmental factors, rather than being driven by external divine instructions. This is an inconsistency between a faith-based perspective and a scientific understanding of animal behavior.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in the idea of a loving and compassionate God allowing harm to come to people. It raises questions about the balance between justice and mercy, and why severe punishment is used instead of forgiveness or guidance.