Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
"Thou shalt not kill" contradicts the engaging in battle and killing in Numbers 31:6.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Jesus' teaching to "love your enemies" contrasts with the act of war in Numbers 31:6.
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 Isaiah 2:4
The prophecy of turning swords into plowshares contradicts the preparation for war in Numbers 31:6.
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 Romans 12:17
Advises not to repay evil for evil, contradicting the retaliatory nature of the conflict in Numbers 31:6.
Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Contradiction with Proverbs 3:31
Warns not to envy or choose the ways of the violent, contrasting with the martial actions in Numbers 31:6.
Proverbs 3:31: Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. [the oppressor: Heb. a man of violence]
Contradiction with James 3:17-18
Highlights peacemaking as wisdom, which contrasts with engaging in battle in Numbers 31:6.
James 3:17-18: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [partiality: or, wrangling]
Contradiction with Matthew 26:52
"All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword" contradicts the use of the sword in Numbers 31:6.
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?
Contradiction with Luke 6:27
Teaches to do good to those who hate you, contradicting the actions in Numbers 31:6.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Paradox #1
Numbers 31:6 could be seen as potentially conflicting with other parts of the Bible that emphasize peace and forgiveness. In this verse, Israelites are instructed in warfare, which might seem at odds with New Testament teachings like those of Jesus, who preaches love for enemies and turning the other cheek. This contrast between Old Testament laws and New Testament teachings can appear inconsistent.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in this verse arises from the depiction of religious figures leading a violent military campaign, which seems inconsistent with ideals of compassion and peace often associated with spiritual leadership. There is a tension between acts of warfare and the ethical teachings of care and non-violence found elsewhere in religious texts.