Contradictions and Paradoxes in Numbers 31:19

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Numbers 31:19 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Numbers 31:19. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, God wanted everyone who had killed someone or touched a dead body to stay outside the camp for seven days and clean themselves on the third and seventh days. This was to make sure everyone was pure and clean again before coming back to the group.

Numbers 31:19: And do ye abide without the camp seven days: whosoever hath killed any person, and whosoever hath touched any slain, purify [both] yourselves and your captives on the third day, and on the seventh day.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:13

This verse commands "Thou shalt not kill," which contradicts the context of killing in Numbers 31.

Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

This verse teaches to love your enemies, whereas Numbers 31:19 involves treating enemies as targets for violence.

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 Luke 6:27

It advocates for doing good to those who hate you, contrasting with the wartime actions depicted in Numbers 31.

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

Contradiction with Romans 12:17

Advises against repaying evil with evil, conflicting with the retaliatory nature of Numbers 31.

Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Contradiction with James 3:17

Describes wisdom from above as peaceable and gentle, contrasting the context of warfare and killing in Numbers 31.

James 3:17: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [partiality: or, wrangling]

Paradox #1

Numbers 31:19 involves instructions given after a battle, which might appear to be in conflict with New Testament teachings that emphasize love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek. This seeming inconsistency arises because the Old Testament often depicts laws and practices relevant to the Israelites at the time, including warfare and ritual purification, whereas the New Testament focuses on spiritual teachings and moral behavior. This difference can lead to confusion about how to reconcile the two parts of the Bible.

Paradox #2

Numbers 31:19 could be seen as morally conflicting because it involves instructions about purification after a violent event. Some people might struggle with the idea of religious or moral laws being applied in the context of violence and war, questioning how ethical actions are justified or reconciled with religious beliefs in such scenarios.

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