Contradiction with Leviticus 26:1
This verse contradicts Numbers 21:9 as it prohibits the making of any image or idol, whereas Numbers 21:9 involves creating a bronze serpent.
Leviticus 26:1: Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up [any] image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I [am] the LORD your God. [standing...: or, pillar] [image of...: or, figured stone: Heb. a stone of picture]
Contradiction with Exodus 20:4-5
These verses contradict Numbers 21:9 by forbidding the making and worship of graven images, while Numbers 21:9 describes making an image for the people to look at.
Exodus 20:4-5: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 4:16-18
These verses warn against making and worshiping idols in any form, which contradicts the creation of the bronze serpent in Numbers 21:9.
Deuteronomy 4:16-18: Lest ye corrupt [yourselves], and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,
Contradiction with Isaiah 44:9-10
These verses contradict Numbers 21:9 by stating that those who make images are nothing and their idols will not profit, challenging the making of the bronze serpent.
Isaiah 44:9-10: They that make a graven image [are] all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they [are] their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. [delectable: Heb. desirable]
Contradiction with 2 Kings 18:4
This verse describes Hezekiah destroying the bronze serpent because the Israelites had started to worship it, showing a contradiction with its initial purpose in Numbers 21:9.
2 Kings 18:4: He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. [images: Heb. statues] [Nehushtan: that is, A piece of brass]
Paradox #1
One possible contradiction with Numbers 21:9 is that it involves the story of Moses creating a bronze serpent for the Israelites to look upon for healing from snake bites. This could conflict with other parts of the Bible that warn against making graven images or idols, as described in the Ten Commandments. It might seem inconsistent for Moses to make a bronze serpent when other scripture advises against creating such objects.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Numbers 21:9 involves the idea of a bronze serpent curing snakebites simply by people looking at it. From a scientific standpoint, healing a physical ailment like a snakebite would require medical treatment, such as antivenom or first aid, rather than just visual contact with an object.
Paradox #3
In Numbers 21:9, there could be a perceived contradiction because it involves a situation where looking at a bronze snake on a pole results in healing for the Israelites. This might seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that discourage idolatry, as the act of looking at a symbol for healing could appear similar to idol worship. However, in this context, it is an act of faith and obedience to God's command, rather than worship of the object itself.