Contradiction with Exodus 20:5
While Numbers 25:13 speaks of a perpetual priesthood being granted due to zeal for God, Exodus 20:5 warns of God's jealousy and visiting iniquity on those who disobey, highlighting a contrast between reward and punishment.
Exodus 20:5: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;
Contradiction with Matthew 5:9
Numbers 25:13 commends Phinehas for his zealous act, whereas Matthew 5:9 blesses peacemakers, placing more value on peace than zealous or violent acts.
Matthew 5:9: Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
Numbers 25:13 speaks of a covenant of peace through Phinehas's lineage, but Ezekiel 18:20 indicates that the soul that sins shall die and every individual is responsible for their own actions rather than benefiting indefinitely from ancestral actions.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Hebrews 7:12
Numbers 25:13 establishes an everlasting priesthood, yet Hebrews 7:12 speaks of a change in the priesthood, suggesting that a permanent priesthood from Levi could be altered by spiritual developments.
Hebrews 7:12: For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
Paradox #1
The verse in Numbers 25:13 discusses a covenant of everlasting priesthood because of an act of zeal for God. The potential contradiction here could be with the idea of mercy versus zealotry. Some might question how acts of severe judgment can align with teachings of mercy and forgiveness elsewhere in scripture, like in the New Testament. This might seem inconsistent with the message of love and compassion.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency related to this verse might concern the priestly lineage or covenant promises. In some interpretations, it raises questions about why the priesthood, which typically followed a specific hereditary line, would be promised to a specific individual or his descendants in this particular event. This can seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible where the priestly duties are mainly associated with the broader Levitical tribe.
Paradox #3
Numbers 25:13 mentions a covenant of peace given to Phinehas for his zealous act, which involved violence. The contradiction or conflict here is that an act of violence is rewarded with a covenant of peace, which seems inconsistent because peace is typically associated with non-violence. This raises questions about how peace is achieved and the role of violence in the process.