Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
Numbers 31:38 mentions the allocation of cattle after a battle, while Exodus 20:13 commands "Thou shalt not kill," which can be seen as contradicting the act of battle and its spoils.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Numbers 31:38 involves distribution of war spoils, whereas Matthew 5:44 teaches to "love your enemies" and "bless them that curse you," suggesting a contradiction in the approach to 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 Proverbs 12:10
Numbers 31:38 includes treating animals as spoils, differing from Proverbs 12:10, which emphasizes being righteous and merciful to one's animals.
Proverbs 12:10: A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel. [tender...: or, bowels]
Paradox #1
The contradiction in this context could be related to issues of fairness or ethics in distributing resources taken through conflict. Some might find it problematic that there is a divine sanction or approval for taking spoils from conflict, particularly when it involves people and possessions, which raises questions about the morality of such actions.