Contradictions and Paradoxes in Numbers 25:11

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Numbers 25:11 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Numbers 25:11. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Numbers, God was very angry with the Israelites because they were not obeying Him, but Phinehas, a good and brave man, did something that made God happy again. Because of Phinehas's brave action, God decided not to punish the Israelites and was pleased with them.

Numbers 25:11: Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. [for...: Heb. with my zeal]

Contradiction with Psalms 103:8

The Lord being merciful and gracious contradicts the act of zeal translating into violence.

Psalms 103:8: The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. [plentious...: Heb. great in mercy]

Contradiction with James 1:20

Emphasizes that human wrath does not produce God's righteousness, opposing the idea of zeal expressed through anger.

James 1:20: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:9

Promotes peacemaking as a virtue, conflicting with violence being an expression of God's favor.

Matthew 5:9: Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Contradiction with Romans 12:19

Encourages leaving vengeance to God, contradicting taking matters into one's own hands through zeal.

Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Contradiction with Exodus 14:14

The Lord fighting on behalf of the people suggests a contradiction with human action through zealous acts.

Exodus 14:14: The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Contradiction with Proverbs 15:18

A wrathful person stirs up conflict, contradicting the approval of zealous anger in Numbers 25:11.

Proverbs 15:18: A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Paradox #1

One potential contradiction with Numbers 25:11 is the role of Phinehas. Some people find it inconsistent that while Phinehas' violent action is praised in this context, similar acts of violence in other parts of the Bible are condemned or lead to different outcomes. This raises questions about the differing messages regarding violence and divine approval.

Paradox #2

The contradiction in this verse might arise from the approval of violence as a righteous act. This could seem inconsistent with teachings about peace and forgiveness found elsewhere in the Bible. Some readers might struggle with reconciling the use of violent actions to achieve religious or moral objectives with the broader ethical teachings of compassion and love.

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