Contradiction with Exodus 17:14
This verse contradicts Numbers 24:20 as it commands that the memory of Amalek be utterly blotted out, while Numbers 24:20 implies that Amalek will be destroyed in the future, suggesting an ongoing presence until then.
Exodus 17:14: And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this [for] a memorial in a book, and rehearse [it] in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 25:19
This verse instructs to blot out the remembrance of Amalek, implying it should have already occurred, conflicting with Numbers 24:20 which expects future destruction.
Deuteronomy 25:19: Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance to possess it, [that] thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget [it].
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:3
God commands Saul to destroy Amalek completely, yet Numbers 24:20 implies their destruction is yet to come.
1 Samuel 15:3: Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:8-9
Saul spares Agag, king of the Amalekites, contradicting Numbers 24:20's implication of total destruction by stating a partial destruction instead.
1 Samuel 15:8-9: And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 1:10
An Amalekite claims to have killed Saul, contradicting the idea of Amalek's end as prophesied in Numbers 24:20.
2 Samuel 1:10: So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that [was] upon his head, and the bracelet that [was] on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 27:8
David invades the land of the Amalekites, contradicting the claim in Numbers 24:20 of their ultimate perdition as they are still present to raid.
1 Samuel 27:8: And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those [nations were] of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt. [Gezrites: or, Gerzites]
Paradox #1
The moral conflict in Numbers 24:20 could be seen as the concept of divine retribution and destruction of a group of people, which may clash with the values of mercy and forgiveness found elsewhere. This inconsistency can raise questions about justice and morality in the text.