Numbers 26:46 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the author of the book of Numbers, this verse tells us that Asher, one of the leaders of the tribes of Israel, had a daughter named Sarah. It shows that God knows each person, even children, and cares about their family.

Contradiction with Numbers 1:1

Numbers 1:1 details the command for Moses to number the Israelites who could go to war, focusing on males, whereas Numbers 26:46 uniquely mentions a daughter.

Numbers 1:1: And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first [day] of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

Contradiction with Numbers 3:15

Numbers 3:15 describes the numbering of male Levites from a month old and upward, contrasting the focus in Numbers 26:46 on a female descendant.

Numbers 3:15: Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.

Contradiction with Numbers 26:33

Numbers 26:33 lists individuals with notable familial inheritance rights including daughters, while Numbers 26:46 mentions only one specific daughter, Serah.

Numbers 26:33: And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad [were] Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Contradiction with Genesis 46:7

Genesis 46:7 indicates Jacob's entire household including daughters came to Egypt, whereas Numbers 26:46 singles out Serah in the listing without mentioning others from the household.

Genesis 46:7: His sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters, and all his seed brought he with him into Egypt.

Contradiction with Exodus 1:1-5

Exodus 1:1-5 lists the sons of Israel who came to Egypt, excluding daughters by name, while Numbers 26:46 highlights an exception in mentioning Serah.

Exodus 1:1-5: Now these [are] the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.

Contradiction with Numbers 26:1-2

Numbers 26:1-2 states a command to number men for war, but Numbers 26:46 brings a unique focus on a daughter, Serah, which doesn’t align with the preceding military context.