Contradiction with Genesis 1:26
This verse suggests that humans are given dominion over animals, yet Numbers 22:28 depicts an animal speaking with divine intervention, which contradicts the established order.
Genesis 1:26: And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Contradiction with Psalm 147:5
This verse emphasizes God's infinite understanding, while Numbers 22:28 portrays God using a donkey to communicate, suggesting a limitation that contradicts the notion of God's omniscience.
Psalm 147:5: Great [is] our Lord, and of great power: his understanding [is] infinite. [his...: Heb. of his understanding there is no number]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 14:33
This verse states that God is not the author of confusion, yet Numbers 22:28 creates a confusing scenario where a donkey speaks to a human, contradicting this principle.
1 Corinthians 14:33: For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [confusion: Gr. tumult, or, unquietness]
Contradiction with Matthew 6:26
This verse highlights that animals are without the same rational capabilities as humans, yet the speaking donkey in Numbers 22:28 implies a rational capability, contradicting the natural order described.
Matthew 6:26: Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Contradiction with James 3:7
This verse speaks of the taming of animals and their inability to communicate like humans, but Numbers 22:28 contradicts this as it presents an animal engaging in human-like conversation.
James 3:7: For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: [kind: Gr. nature] [mankind: Gr. nature of man]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict in Numbers 22:28 could be viewed as the unusual situation of an animal speaking. Typically, animals do not speak in human language, so this event raises questions about literal interpretations of biblical texts versus symbolic meanings. This might challenge some readers' views on the nature of divine intervention and miracles.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction or inconsistency with Numbers 22:28 could be related to the fact that a donkey is shown speaking to its owner. This could conflict with natural animal behaviors, as animals do not possess the ability to speak human language. Some may view this as a miraculous event, while others may see it as symbolic or allegorical, leading to different interpretations or doubts about its literal occurrence.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in that verse is the idea of a talking animal, which contradicts our understanding of animal biology and communication. In science, animals do not possess the vocal anatomy or cognitive ability to speak human languages.
Paradox #4
The contradiction could be that an animal is given the ability to speak and express awareness in a way that challenges the natural order as understood in the Bible. This may seem inconsistent with other parts where animals do not have a voice or moral reasoning.