Contradictions and Paradoxes in Numbers 32:38

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Numbers 32:38 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Numbers 32:38. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the Book of Numbers, the people changed the names of some cities they built to make them new. This meant the people wanted to make these cities special and different from before.

Numbers 32:38: And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded. [gave...: Heb. they called by names the names of the cities]

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 20:16-17

These verses command the Israelites to utterly destroy certain cities, unlike Numbers 32:38 which notes rebuilding and renaming cities.

Deuteronomy 20:16-17: But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee [for] an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:

Contradiction with Joshua 6:21

Describes the complete destruction of Jericho, conflicting with the rebuilding aspect in Numbers 32:38.

Joshua 6:21: And they utterly destroyed all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:3

God commands the total destruction of the Amalekites, contrasting with the peaceful resettlement in Numbers 32:38.

1 Samuel 15:3: Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 48:8

Prophesies the complete destruction of Moabite cities, contrary to the preservation and renaming theme in Numbers 32:38.

Jeremiah 48:8: And the spoiler shall come upon every city, and no city shall escape: the valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be destroyed, as the LORD hath spoken.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 25:9

Predicts devastation of Moab's cities, opposing the continuation and transformation of cities mentioned in Numbers 32:38.

Ezekiel 25:9: Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities [which are] on his frontiers, the glory of the country, Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim, [side...: Heb. shoulder of Moab]
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