Contradiction with 1 Kings 13:18
This verse contradicts Numbers 22:18 by showing a prophet lying about a message from the Lord, whereas in Numbers 22:18 Balaam insists on only speaking what God commands.
1 Kings 13:18: He said unto him, I [am] a prophet also as thou [art]; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. [But] he lied unto him.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 14:14
This verse contradicts Numbers 22:18, as it depicts prophets delivering false visions, unlike Balaam's commitment to speak God's word alone.
Jeremiah 14:14: Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 13:6
This verse showcases prophets claiming to speak God’s words without His command, in contrast to Balaam's refusal to go beyond God's word.
Ezekiel 13:6: They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made [others] to hope that they would confirm the word.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 23:16
This verse states that some prophets speak visions of their own hearts, unlike Balaam, who is determined to speak only what God says.
Jeremiah 23:16: Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, [and] not out of the mouth of the LORD.
Contradiction with 2 Peter 2:15-16
This verse criticizes Balaam for his wrongdoing, presenting a contradiction to Numbers 22:18 where Balaam insists on complete adherence to God's word.
2 Peter 2:15-16: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
Paradox #1
One possible contradiction in Numbers 22:18 is the conflict between obedience to God's will and the allure of personal gain. The character in the verse acknowledges the importance of adhering to God's command, yet there is an underlying tension with the temptation of material reward or pressure from others to act against divine instructions. This reflects a broader moral struggle of prioritizing spiritual integrity over worldly desires.