Contradictions and Paradoxes in Numbers 31:31

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

According to Moses, he and Eleazar the priest followed God's instructions carefully. They did exactly what God told them to do.

Numbers 31:31: And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:13

"Thou shalt not kill." contradicts Numbers 31:31 by opposing the violence in the context of dividing war spoils.

Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Jesus' teaching to "love your enemies" contradicts the scenario of taking spoils from defeated enemies.

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 Isaiah 2:4

The prophecy of nations not learning war anymore stands against the act of taking spoils of war in Numbers 31:31.

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 James 4:1-2

Talks about conflicts and desires leading to wars, which contrasts with the commanded division of spoils from conflict in Numbers 31:31.

James 4:1-2: From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members? [fightings: or, brawlings] [lusts: or, pleasures]

Contradiction with Luke 6:27

Advocates doing good to those who hate you, contradicting the notion of benefiting from war spoils as in Numbers 31:31.

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

Paradox #1

The moral conflict in Numbers 31:31 could arise from the ethical implications of the actions commanded, particularly in the context of war and the treatment of people and property. It might seem inconsistent with modern views on human rights and ethical treatment. Some could see it as conflicting with values of compassion and fairness.

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