Contradiction with Exodus 34:15
This verse warns against making covenants with the inhabitants of the land and worshipping their gods, which contradicts the Israelites' actions in Numbers 25:6 where they mingle with Midianite women and idolatry.
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 7:3-4
These verses command the Israelites not to intermarry with other nations to prevent them from turning away from God, contrasting with the actions of an Israelite man in Numbers 25:6 who brings a Midianite woman into the camp.
Deuteronomy 7:3-4: Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 13:6-8
This passage instructs Israelites to not yield to idol worship even if close relations entice them, opposing the events in Numbers 25:6 where an Israelite is influenced by a Midianite woman.
Deuteronomy 13:6-8: If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;
Contradiction with Joshua 23:12-13
These verses warn Israel that associating with remaining nations and marriages will lead to snares and traps, which is juxtaposed by the intermingling in Numbers 25:6.
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 2:2-3
These verses reveal God’s displeasure for alliances formed with inhabitants of the land, contrasting with the incident in Numbers 25:6.
Judges 2:2-3: 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?
Contradiction with Ezra 9:12
This verse advises against seeking the prosperity and peace of foreign peoples who would lead them away from God, in contrast to the union described in Numbers 25:6.
Ezra 9:12: Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave [it] for an inheritance to your children for ever.
Contradiction with Nehemiah 13:25-27
These verses condemn intermarriage with foreigners, referencing Solomon’s downfall, and contrast with the behavior depicted in Numbers 25:6.
Nehemiah 13:25-27: And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, [saying], Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. [cursed: or, reviled]
Paradox #1
The contradiction in Numbers 25:6 could arise from the apparent conflict between the call for strict adherence to religious laws and the compassionate treatment of others. This verse might challenge the idea of loving one's neighbor while simultaneously upholding harsh punishments for those who disobey religious commandments, highlighting a tension between justice and mercy.