Contradiction with Romans 3:23
This verse states that all have sinned, contradicting Numbers 23:21 which implies that God sees no iniquity in Israel.
Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Contradiction with Psalm 14:3
This verse declares there is none that doeth good, contrasting with Numbers 23:21's assertion of no perceived iniquity.
Psalm 14:3: They are all gone aside, they are [all] together become filthy: [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one. [filthy: Heb. stinking]
Contradiction with Isaiah 53:6
This verse mentions that all have gone astray, differing from Numbers 23:21's view of Israel's righteousness.
Isaiah 53:6: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. [laid...: Heb. made the iniquity of us all to meet on him]
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:20
This verse acknowledges that no one is without sin, contradicting the notion of a sinless Israel in Numbers 23:21.
Ecclesiastes 7:20: For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 8:46
Asserts that all have sinned, conflicting with the idea of no iniquity in Israel as implied in Numbers 23:21.
1 Kings 8:46: If they sin against thee, (for [there is] no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;
Contradiction with Psalm 51:5
Speaks to inherent sinfulness from birth, opposed to the sinlessness suggested in Numbers 23:21.
Psalm 51:5: Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. [conceive...: Heb. warm me]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:9
Describes the heart as deceitful and wicked, in contrast with Numbers 23:21's implication of purity.
Jeremiah 17:9: The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Paradox #1
Numbers 23:21 could be seen as contradictory because it says God sees no wrongdoing in Israel and that He is with them. Some may find this inconsistent considering other parts of the Bible where Israel's sins and failures are highlighted, leading to God’s judgment or discipline. This can create a tension between the idea of God overlooking sin versus holding people accountable for it.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency could be seen between Numbers 23:21, which suggests that God finds no fault or wrongdoing in Israel, and other parts of the Bible where Israel's sins and disobedience are clearly highlighted and judged by God, such as in the prophetic books or historical accounts like in Judges or 1 and 2 Kings. This can seem inconsistent, as one verse says there is no wrongdoing while others depict God recognizing and responding to Israel's sins.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency could arise from the fact that this verse speaks of seeing no wrongdoing or misfortune in Israel, suggesting they are viewed favorably by God. Yet, in other parts of the Bible, Israelites are often criticized for their sins and disobedience, facing consequences such as exile and punishment. This presents a contrast between the ideal portrayal of Israel and their frequent mistakes and challenges depicted in other scriptures.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this context might relate to the depiction of a deity's interaction with reality. Science focuses on natural laws and evidence-based explanations, whereas this concept involves supernatural elements, which are not testable or observable using scientific methods. This can create a conflict between scientific approaches and theological beliefs.
Paradox #5
Numbers 23:21 suggests that God does not see wrongdoing or misfortune among the people of Israel. However, in other parts of the Bible, the Israelites are often depicted as sinning and facing consequences for their actions. The contradiction could be the differing portrayal of God overlooking sin in this verse, compared to the frequent acknowledgment of sin and the need for repentance elsewhere in the Bible.