Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Encourages loving enemies and praying for those who persecute, contradicting the call for vengeance.
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 Exodus 20:13
The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" conflicts with the instruction to go to war.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Advises against seeking personal vengeance, instead leaving it to God's wrath.
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
Suggests feeding and caring for enemies rather than seeking revenge.
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 James 3:17-18
Promotes peace and gentle wisdom, contrasting with the directive for warfare.
James 3:17-18: 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]
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Urges to pursue what is good for each other, opposing an act of aggression.
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 1 Peter 3:9
Advises not to repay evil for evil, contrary to taking vengeance.
1 Peter 3:9: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Paradox #1
Numbers 31:3 describes a command for battle given by Moses, which can be seen as a conflict with the broader biblical themes of peace and love. Some people find it hard to understand how a directive for war fits with the teachings of compassion and reconciliation found in other parts of the Bible. This seeming contradiction can lead to questions about how such actions are justified within a religious framework that also emphasizes mercy and peace.
Paradox #2
Some people might see a contradiction in the command to go to war in Numbers 31:3 and the teachings of peace and love found in other parts of the Bible, such as in the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. It might seem inconsistent to have instructions for both warfare and peace.
Paradox #3
Numbers 31:3 involves commands for warfare given by Moses. A contradiction or inconsistency could arise when comparing this with other biblical teachings about peace or God's character being loving and just. Some might see conflict in the depictions of war and morality within the text, questioning how these actions align with other ethical teachings in the Bible.
Paradox #4
The potential scientific conflict with "Numbers 31:3" could be the instruction for warfare or conflict which may contradict modern ethical views and human rights principles relating to peace, the value of human life, and conflict resolution. Modern science often aligns with ethical standards that promote peace and non-violence, so such directives might be seen as contradictory to these principles.
Paradox #5
The contradiction in this verse arises from the command to engage in warfare and violence, which can conflict with the broader message of peace and compassion found in other parts of the Bible. This creates tension between the endorsement of violent actions and the ethical teachings that promote love and forgiveness.