Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Teaches to love your enemies, which contradicts the directive for warfare in Numbers 31:4.
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
Commands "Thou shalt not kill," contrasting with the call to arms in Numbers 31:4.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Romans 12:17-19
Advises against repaying evil for evil, conflicting with the military action encouraged in Numbers 31:4.
Romans 12:17-19: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
Prophesies a future without war, whereas Numbers 31:4 mandates preparing for battle.
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 John 13:34-35
Jesus' command to love one another seems at odds with the conflict in Numbers 31:4.
John 13:34-35: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21-22
Instructs to feed your enemy if he is hungry, contrasting with the military campaign in Numbers 31:4.
Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Paradox #1
Numbers 31:4 calls for men to go to battle. The moral conflict here is that it involves violence and killing, which contradicts other teachings in the Bible that promote peace and love for others. Additionally, the concept of a divinely ordered war may conflict with modern views on morality and the value of human life.