Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse contradicts Numbers 31:7 by advising followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, instead of engaging in conflict.
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
This verse contradicts Numbers 31:7 as it includes the commandment "Thou shalt not kill," which opposes the act of engaging in warfare.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Romans 12:17
This verse advises against repaying evil for evil, contradicting the concept of engaging in battle as seen in Numbers 31:7.
Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21
This verse suggests feeding your enemy if they are hungry, advocating for kindness over conflict, which contradicts the events of Numbers 31:7.
Proverbs 25:21: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Contradiction with James 4:1-2
These verses question the origin of wars and fighting, implying they stem from selfish desires, contrasting with the directive for battle in Numbers 31:7.
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 Proverbs 16:7
This verse claims that when a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him, contradicting the premise of engaging in warfare as in Numbers 31:7.
Proverbs 16:7: When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Paradox #1
The potential theological conflict with Numbers 31:7 is about the morality of warfare and violence. In this verse, there is divine instruction related to warfare that includes violence, which can seem inconsistent with later teachings in the Bible that emphasize love, forgiveness, and peace. This raises questions about how to reconcile these themes of justice and mercy within the scripture.
Paradox #2
Numbers 31:7 might be seen as conflicting with teachings that promote peace and non-violence. In some parts of the Bible, such as in the teachings of Jesus, there is an emphasis on love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek. The actions described in Numbers 31:7 contrast with these ideas by involving war and violence. This can create a tension between advocating for peaceful resolutions and following historical narratives of conflict.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict related to that verse might involve the ethical and moral issues surrounding the actions described, particularly when looked at from a modern perspective. People might question the morality of those actions and how they align with contemporary values of justice and human rights. Additionally, there could be inconsistency when comparing these actions to other biblical teachings on compassion and mercy.
Paradox #4
The verse describes a battle where the Israelites were commanded to kill all the men among the Midianites. The contradiction could relate to modern understanding of ethics and human behavior, which generally condemns violence and genocide as morally wrong. This behavior conflicts with contemporary human rights principles and ethical norms.
Paradox #5
Some people might find a contradiction in the directive for violence and killing, which seems to conflict with the broader moral teachings of love, compassion, and forgiveness that are present in other parts of the Bible. This can create tension between the different messages about how to treat others.