Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
Exodus 20:13 commands "Thou shalt not kill," which contradicts the directive in Numbers 31:2 for vengeance involving killing.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Matthew 5:44 teaches to "Love your enemies," which contrasts with the call for vengeance against the Midianites in Numbers 31:2.
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
Romans 12:19 advises, "Avenge not yourselves," contrasting with the command in Numbers 31:2 for the Israelites to take vengeance.
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 Proverbs 25:21-22
Proverbs 25:21-22 encourages feeding your enemy, which contradicts the directive of revenge and warfare in Numbers 31:2.
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 Luke 6:27
Luke 6:27 instructs, "Do good to them which hate you," contrasting with the call for retaliation found in Numbers 31:2.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:15
1 Thessalonians 5:15 urges that no one should repay evil for evil, contradicting the vengeance sought in Numbers 31:2.
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 Matthew 5:39
Matthew 5:39 teaches to "turn the other cheek," contrasting with the command for retributive justice in Numbers 31:2.
Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Paradox #1
The verse in question involves God commanding Moses to take vengeance against the Midianites. Some people find this troubling because it seems to go against the idea of a loving and merciful God. They might see a contradiction between this command for violence and other teachings in the Bible that emphasize love, forgiveness, and peace. This can create tension for those trying to reconcile the image of God as both just and compassionate.
Paradox #2
One potential doctrinal conflict could be the command for vengeance in this verse versus the broader biblical teachings about forgiveness, love, and peace that appear in other parts of the Bible. This might seem inconsistent with teachings like "love your enemies" found in the New Testament.
Paradox #3
Some people see a contradiction in the Bible when it talks about moral teachings, like "do not kill," but also describes battles and commands for warfare in other parts. This might seem inconsistent with the idea of a loving and just God. Additionally, the idea of seeking revenge in this context might conflict with other teachings about forgiveness and mercy.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in the idea of seeking vengeance, which contrasts with other biblical teachings that emphasize forgiveness and love for enemies. This inconsistency arises because some parts of the Bible advocate for peace and reconciliation, while others endorse retributive justice.