Contradictions and Paradoxes in Numbers 22:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Numbers 22:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Numbers 22:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Numbers, God told Balaam at night that he can go with the men if they call him, but he must do only what God tells him to do. This means Balaam should listen carefully and only follow God's instructions.

Numbers 22:20: And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, [and] go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.

Contradiction with James 1:13

God does not tempt anyone with evil, contrasting with God permitting Balaam to go with men who intend harm.

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]

Contradiction with Numbers 22:12

Earlier, God clearly tells Balaam not to go, which contrasts with Him later saying Balaam can go.

Numbers 22:12: And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they [are] blessed.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:29

God is portrayed as unchanging, contrasting with changing His instruction to Balaam from "do not go" to "you can go."

1 Samuel 15:29: And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he [is] not a man, that he should repent. [Strength: or, Eternity, or, Victory]

Paradox #1

Numbers 22:20 might seem inconsistent because God initially tells Balaam not to go with Balak's messengers, but later tells him to go on the condition that he only speaks what God tells him. It appears to be a contradiction in God's instructions.

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