Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
"Thou shalt not kill." This commandment contradicts the act of killing mentioned in Numbers 31:8.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Jesus commands to "love your enemies," which contradicts the action of killing one's enemies in Numbers 31:8.
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
"Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord," contradicts the act of vengeance carried out by the Israelites in Numbers 31:8.
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 Proverbs 24:17
Advises not to rejoice when your enemy falls, contradicting the triumphant killing in Numbers 31:8.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with Matthew 26:52
"For all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword," contradicting the use of violence in Numbers 31:8.
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 1 John 4:8
"God is love," which contrasts with the violent actions taken in the name of God in Numbers 31:8.
1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Contradiction with Luke 6:27
"Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you," directly opposes the slaughter in Numbers 31:8.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Paradox #1
Numbers 31:8 describes the Israelites killing enemy kings and taking spoils in a war. Theological contradictions or conflicts might arise when considering the Bible's teachings on peace and forgiveness, such as Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about loving enemies and turning the other cheek. This contrast between Old Testament narratives of warfare and New Testament ideals of love and non-violence might create tension for some readers.
Paradox #2
The potential doctrinal conflict with Numbers 31:8 might arise from questions about violence and war in the context of religious teachings. Some people see a contradiction between this verse, which involves warfare and killing, and the broader biblical teachings about love, forgiveness, and peace. The challenge is in reconciling the actions depicted with the moral and ethical teachings found elsewhere in the Bible.
Paradox #3
Historical accounts often portray biblical events as divinely guided, but when the Israelites attack Midian in this verse, it creates a contradiction with earlier biblical messages of peace and justice. Ancient texts and archaeological evidence sometimes suggest different timelines or outcomes of such conflicts, creating inconsistencies between the biblical narrative and historical records. Moreover, some might see a moral conflict in the actions described, as they don't align with other teachings of morality and compassion found elsewhere in the Bible.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in the context of violence and warfare. It involves actions that are harsh and aggressive, which may conflict with the broader biblical messages of love and forgiveness. This can create tension between the ideas of justice and mercy or between divine command and human ethics.