Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
Numbers 31:50 speaks of gifts given after the slaying of enemies, contradicting the commandment against killing in Exodus.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:11
While Numbers 31:50 involves offerings of gold to atone for souls, Isaiah questions the value of sacrifices without righteousness.
Isaiah 1:11: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [he goats: Heb. great he goats]
Contradiction with Micah 6:7-8
Numbers 31:50 involves material offerings for atonement, yet Micah emphasizes justice, mercy, and humility over offerings.
Micah 6:7-8: Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, [or] with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn [for] my transgression, the fruit of my body [for] the sin of my soul? [body: Heb. belly]
Contradiction with Hosea 6:6
In Numbers 31:50, offerings are made for atonement, whereas Hosea emphasizes the importance of mercy rather than sacrifice.
Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Contradiction with Matthew 9:13
Numbers 31:50 involves offerings after battle, but in Matthew, Jesus highlights mercy over sacrifice.
Matthew 9:13: But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Contradiction with Amos 5:22
Numbers 31:50 involves pleasing God with gifts, while Amos suggests offerings are meaningless without justice and righteousness.
Amos 5:22: Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept [them]: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. [peace...: or, thank offerings]
Contradiction with Proverbs 21:3
Numbers 31:50 involves offerings after a conflict, contrasting with Proverbs' emphasis on justice over sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:3: To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict in Numbers 31:50 could lie in the context of warfare and the treatment of captives, where taking spoils and offerings from conflict may appear inconsistent with teachings about compassion and peace. This can be seen as conflicting with values of mercy and humanity.