Contradiction with Exodus 9:6
While Numbers 33:4 says that the Egyptians were struck with disaster, Exodus 9:6 states that all the livestock of the Egyptians died earlier during the plagues, suggesting a timeline inconsistency.
Exodus 9:6: And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one.
Contradiction with Exodus 8:19
Numbers 33:4 implies the plagues were significant judgments, yet in Exodus 8:19, the magicians acknowledge the "finger of God" without immediate disaster, suggesting a different level of impact.
Exodus 8:19: Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This [is] the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Contradiction with Exodus 12:29-30
Numbers 33:4 highlights the death of the firstborn as an Egyptian downfall, yet Exodus 12:29-30 describes widespread mourning as a direct result of God's actions, showing a broader divine intervention not limited to just judgments on gods.
Exodus 12:29-30: And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that [was] in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. [dungeon: Heb. house of the pit]
Contradiction with Isaiah 19:1
Numbers 33:4 references judgments on the gods of Egypt, while Isaiah 19:1 presents the Lord riding on a swift cloud, coming into Egypt as a broader symbol of divine action, differing in portrayal and impact.
Isaiah 19:1: The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 30:13
Numbers 33:4 mentions the judgments specifically on Egyptian deities, whereas Ezekiel 30:13 speaks of a future destruction of idols and images, suggesting an ongoing or repeated divine judgment.
Ezekiel 30:13: Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause [their] images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt.
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction in this context is that archaeological evidence and Egyptian historical records do not clearly align with the biblical account of the plagues and the exodus from Egypt. These events are significant in the religious texts but lack direct corroboration in Egyptian history, leading to debates about their historicity.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict in Numbers 33:4 could be seen in the concept of divine punishment affecting innocent people. The verse implies that the Egyptian firstborns suffered because of Pharaoh's decisions, which raises questions about collective punishment and the fairness of holding a larger group accountable for the actions of one leader.