Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
Numbers 31:41 discusses the division of spoils after a conflict, whereas Exodus 20:13 commands "Thou shalt not kill," which could be seen as opposing the notion of warfare and its resultant gains.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Leviticus 19:18
Numbers 31:41 involves the sharing of war bounty, while Leviticus 19:18 promotes loving one's neighbor as oneself, which might challenge the ethics of profiting from conflict.
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 Matthew 5:44
Numbers 31:41 deals with the aftermath of battle, whereas Matthew 5:44 instructs to "love your enemies," highlighting a contradiction between aggressive actions and peaceable teachings.
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 Romans 12:19
Numbers 31:41 reflects division and possession post-conflict, while Romans 12:19 advises against vengeance and leaves room for divine justice instead of human retribution.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with James 4:1-2
Numbers 31:41 involves distributing captured goods, potentially linked to desires for material gain, which James 4:1-2 warns against, highlighting conflicts arising from such desires.
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]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency could come from the accounts of how spoils of war were divided among the Israelites, specifically between religious leaders and others. Different parts of the Bible might describe similar events with variations in the details of distribution, leading to potential confusion or contradiction in historical narratives. This might cause debates about the accuracy or consistency in recording these events.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict in Numbers 31:41 could be seen as the allocation of resources from warfare, which involves the distribution of spoils, including people as captives. This can raise ethical questions about the treatment of human beings as property and the morality of war and its consequences, according to modern values.