Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
"Thou shalt not kill." - This verse advocates against killing, which contradicts Numbers 31's context of warfare and killing.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies..." - Encourages love for enemies, contrasting with the conflict scenario 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 Romans 12:17
"Recompense to no man evil for evil..." - Advises against retaliation, differing from the actions described in Numbers 31.
Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Contradiction with Proverbs 16:7
"When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." - Suggests peace with enemies, contrasting the war context.
Proverbs 16:7: When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Contradiction with James 4:1-2
Describes the source of wars and conflicts, implying an inner struggle rather than actions justified in Numbers 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 Isaiah 2:4
"And they shall beat their swords into plowshares..." - Prophecy of peace, contrasting with military actions in Numbers 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 Matthew 26:52
"Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." - Jesus' admonishment against violence, opposing the battle narrative in Numbers 31.
Matthew 26:52: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
Paradox #1
Numbers 31:49 reports the aftermath of a battle where it is claimed that not a single Israelite soldier was lost. This could be seen as historically inconsistent with typical battle outcomes in ancient times, where even victorious armies would usually suffer some casualties. Such a claim might be viewed with skepticism because battles generally result in some losses on both sides.