Contradiction with Exodus 34:15
This verse warns against making covenants with other nations and participating in their sacrifices, contrasting with the participation in sacrifices in Numbers 25:2.
Exodus 34:15: Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and [one] call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:30
This verse advises against being ensnared by other nations' ways and worship, contradicting the involvement depicted in Numbers 25:2.
Deuteronomy 12:30: Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. [by...: Heb. after them]
Contradiction with 1 Kings 11:2
This verse warns Israelite men against marrying foreign women who might turn them toward other gods, contrasting with the intermingling in Numbers 25:2.
1 Kings 11:2: Of the nations [concerning] which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: [for] surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
Contradiction with Joshua 23:12-13
These verses warn that intermarrying with other nations will lead to becoming ensnared, contrasting with the associations in Numbers 25:2.
Joshua 23:12-13: Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, [even] these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you:
Contradiction with Judges 2:2
This verse admonishes not to make a league with the inhabitants of the land, challenging the alliances in Numbers 25:2.
Judges 2:2: And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
Paradox #1
Numbers 25:2 might be seen as conflicting with other parts of the Bible that emphasize remaining separate from pagan practices, as this verse involves Israelites engaging with Moabite customs. It presents a tension between being part of a distinct religious community and interacting with other cultures.
Paradox #2
Numbers 25:2 could present a contradiction when considering its context of interactions between Israelites and Moabites. The verse describes actions that lead to negative consequences imposed by God. The potential conflict arises from the biblical principles of love and acceptance versus the punishment for interacting with those of different beliefs, which could be seen as inconsistent with the message of love and forgiveness in other parts of the Bible.