Contradiction with Exodus 17:8
This verse shows Amalek fighting against Israel at Rephidim, whereas Numbers 33:40 implies hostility from inhabitants of Canaan, specifically Arad.
Exodus 17:8: Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
Contradiction with Numbers 14:45
Here, the Amalekites and Canaanites attack Israelites, which shows their activeness, unlike the single focus on Arad in Numbers 33:40.
Numbers 14:45: Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, [even] unto Hormah.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:44
This verse also mentions Amorites and Canaanites defeating Israel, suggesting their broader opposition beyond Arad’s specific reaction in Numbers 33:40.
Deuteronomy 1:44: And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, [even] unto Hormah.
Contradiction with Judges 1:16-17
This passage describes the Israelites attacking the Canaanite city of Zephath under a united movement, contrasting the isolated report of Arad hearing about Israel in Numbers 33:40.
Judges 1:16-17: And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which [lieth] in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.
Contradiction with Numbers 21:1
Here, King Arad attacks Israelites when they are near his land, while Numbers 33:40 merely mentions hearing about Israel, suggesting a potential contradiction in timing or actions.
Numbers 21:1: And [when] king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took [some] of them prisoners.