Numbers 25:17 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the author of the book, Moses, God told the Israelites to be mean to the Midianites and hurt them because the Midianites had been unkind and led them away from God's teachings. This was a part of God's plan to protect the Israelites from bad influences and help them stay true to Him.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Encourages love for enemies, contradicting the call for hostility against the Midianites in Numbers 25:17.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Romans 12:19

Advises against seeking personal vengeance, in contrast to the directive for revenge in Numbers 25:17.

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 Luke 6:27

Teaches to do good to those who hate you, opposing the command to vex the Midianites in Numbers 25:17.

Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21-22

Recommends showing kindness to enemies, which contradicts the instruction to harass the Midianites in Numbers 25:17.

Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Contradiction with Exodus 20:13

The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" contrasts with the implied violence in Numbers 25:17.

Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.

Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Advises not to repay evil for evil, opposing the revenge implied in Numbers 25:17.

1 Thessalonians 5:15: See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].

Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:9

Encourages blessing instead of retaliation, which is contradictory to the directive in Numbers 25:17.

1 Peter 3:9: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Paradox #1

The contradiction or conflict could arise from the directive to harm others, which contradicts teachings about love, forgiveness, and compassion found elsewhere in the Bible. This could lead to confusion about when violence or vengeance is justified.

Contradictions and Paradoxes in Numbers 25:17