Contradiction with Genesis 9:6
This verse establishes the principle of capital punishment for murder, which complements the emphasis in Numbers 35:33 on the sanctity of life, but some might see differences in application.
Genesis 9:6: Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
This verse commands "Thou shalt not kill." While not directly contradictory, it insists on the value of life, which could be seen as differing in approach to the complex issues around cities of refuge in Numbers.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:39
"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." This teaching emphasizes forgiveness and turning away from retribution, which could be seen as a contrast to the justice-focused instructions in Numbers 35.
Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Contradiction with John 8:7
"He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." This call for compassion and self-reflection in the face of sin contrasts with the prescriptive justice measures laid out in Numbers.
John 8:7: So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Contradiction with 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." This verse suggests leaving justice to God, which can appear to be at odds with the human-administered justice described in Numbers 35.
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 Psalm 103:8-10
These verses highlight God's mercy and contrast with the justice-focused approach in Numbers.
Psalm 103:8-10: The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. [plentious...: Heb. great in mercy]
Paradox #1
Numbers 35:33 discusses the idea that the land is polluted by bloodshed and cannot be cleansed except by the blood of the one who shed it. A potential doctrinal conflict arises with the New Testament concepts of forgiveness and redemption, particularly those expressed by Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and loving one’s enemies. This could seem inconsistent with the idea that only retributive justice can cleanse the land, as the New Testament emphasizes mercy and forgiveness over retribution.
Paradox #2
Numbers 35:33 states that the land cannot be cleansed of the blood shed in it except by the blood of the one who shed it. The contradiction or inconsistency here could relate to the varying laws on justice and retribution found throughout biblical texts. For instance, different parts of the Bible emphasize mercy and forgiveness rather than the strict execution of justice through bloodshed (e.g., the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament). This difference in approach can be seen as a conflict between the principles of justice and mercy within the Bible itself.
Paradox #3
Numbers 35:33 discusses the idea of bloodshed causing pollution to the land and the need for justice to "cleanse" it. The contradiction here could be that the concept of land being physically polluted by bloodshed does not align with scientific understanding. Pollution is typically understood in terms of chemical, biological, or physical contaminants, not moral or ethical actions like bloodshed. This verse treats moral actions as directly impacting the physical condition of the land, which is not supported by scientific evidence.