Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
"Thou shalt not kill" contradicts the notion of taking captives through warfare.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16
This verse states, "The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers," which contrasts with the taking of captives, often including children, in war.
Deuteronomy 24:16: The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Commands to "love your enemies" contradict the concept of capturing and warring against people.
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 Luke 6:31
"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise" contradicts taking captives after defeating them.
Luke 6:31: And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Contradiction with Romans 12:21
"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" suggests a different approach than taking captives.
Romans 12:21: Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21-22
Advises feeding your enemy if he is hungry, contrasting with the act of capturing them.
Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
Speaking of a time when nations shall not "learn war any more," contradicts the concept of battle and captivity.
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]
Paradox #1
Numbers 31:9, which describes the Israelites taking captives during a battle, can raise questions about the morality of war and the treatment of prisoners in light of other biblical teachings about love, mercy, and justice. This can seem inconsistent with the Bible's messages about God's compassion and the importance of treating others with kindness and fairness.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Numbers 31:9 arises from the ethical question about the treatment of captives in war, which might conflict with the broader biblical messages of compassion and mercy. Some people may see a conflict between this event and teachings about love, forgiveness, and peace found in other parts of the Bible.
Paradox #3
Numbers 31:9 might be seen as conflicting with other biblical themes of compassion and mercy. Some people find it difficult to reconcile the actions described with the broader message of love and kindness found in other parts of the Bible, leading to discussions about the context and interpretation of these events.
Paradox #4
Numbers 31:9 describes an event where captives and spoils were taken after a battle. A potential contradiction could be the aspect of large-scale capture and redistribution of resources without logistical issues, as it doesn't address the practical challenges of managing and sustaining such a large number of people and goods in ancient times. This doesn't align well with historical or archaeological evidence of ancient warfare logistics.
Paradox #5
The contradiction in Numbers 31:9 could be seen in the moral question of taking captives during wartime. The verse describes the taking of women and children as captives, which can be viewed as conflicting with modern moral and ethical standards that advocate for the protection of non-combatants and civilians in conflict situations. This discrepancy between ancient practices and contemporary values can be seen as a moral inconsistency.