Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
This verse states "Thou shalt not kill," which contradicts the concept of dividing spoils of war, including lives, as done in Numbers 31:30.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Jesus' teaching to "Love your enemies" stands in contrast to taking and distributing spoils from conquered enemies in Numbers 31:30.
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 Proverbs 3:31
Advises against envying oppressors or choosing any of their ways, conflicting with the actions endorsed in Numbers 31:30.
Proverbs 3:31: Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. [the oppressor: Heb. a man of violence]
Contradiction with Romans 12:17
Encourages not repaying evil for evil, contrasting with the retribution and distribution of war spoils in Numbers 31:30.
Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Contradiction with Luke 6:36
Calls for mercy, which opposes the treatment of captives as plunder in Numbers 31:30.
Luke 6:36: Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
Prophecies a time of peace when nations will not war, which contradicts the division of spoils from war in Numbers 31:30.
Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Contradiction with Leviticus 19:18
Commands to love your neighbor as yourself, conflicting with keeping captives as described in Numbers 31:30.
Leviticus 19:18: Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.
Contradiction with James 3:17
Describes heavenly wisdom as peaceable and gentle, opposing the harsh reality of dividing lives as spoils in Numbers 31:30.
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
The theological conflict might arise from the concept of God commanding the distribution of captives taken in war. Some people might find this difficult to reconcile with the idea of a loving and merciful God. This can appear inconsistent with the teachings of compassion and kindness found elsewhere in religious texts.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Numbers 31:30 could be seen in the context of prescribing the division of captives, including people, as part of war spoils. This can be conflicting because it involves the enslavement and objectification of individuals, which contradicts the ethical values of human dignity and freedom.