Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
This verse states, "Thou shalt not kill," which contradicts the events of Numbers 31, where the Israelites kill the Midianites.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse states, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies," which contradicts the warfare and slaughter of enemies in Numbers 31.
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 12:10
This verse states, "A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast," contradicting the slaughter and captivity of animals in Numbers 31.
Proverbs 12:10: A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel. [tender...: or, bowels]
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:17
This verse states, "Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow," which contradicts the treatment of the Midianites.
Isaiah 1:17: Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. [relieve: or, righten]
Contradiction with Romans 12:17
This verse states, "Recompense to no man evil for evil," contradicting the retaliation against the Midianites in Numbers 31.
Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Contradiction with Luke 6:36
This verse states, "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful," which contradicts the lack of mercy shown in Numbers 31.
Luke 6:36: Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Contradiction with James 2:13
This verse states, "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment," contrasting the lack of mercy in Numbers 31.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Paradox #1
Some people see a moral and ethical conflict in this verse because it describes the division of captives, including young women, after a battle. Critics argue that this raises questions about the treatment of human beings and the morality of such actions depicted in the biblical narrative. This can be seen as inconsistent with the idea of compassion and justice promoted in other parts of religious teachings.
Paradox #2
Numbers 31:35 discusses the allocation of human captives following a battle. A potential contradiction might arise when comparing this with teachings that stress the sanctity of human life and the importance of love and compassion for others. Some readers might struggle to reconcile the treatment of captives in this context with broader biblical themes of mercy and treating others with kindness.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this context could be the treatment and counting of humans as property or possessions. In modern understanding, people are recognized as individuals with rights, not commodities that can be owned or tallied as goods, as was sometimes described in ancient texts. This perspective conflicts with contemporary human rights principles and ethical standards.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or conflict here could stem from the ethical implications of appropriating captives in ancient warfare. This action might clash with modern values concerning human rights and the treatment of individuals, raising questions about historical context and moral teachings.