Contradiction with Exodus 21:12
This verse declares that anyone who smites a person so that they die shall be surely put to death, offering no refuge for the slayer.
Exodus 21:12: He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 19:11-12
These verses describe how a person who premeditates a killing shall not be given refuge but rather be delivered to die, contradicting the idea of providing cities of refuge for protection.
Deuteronomy 19:11-12: But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities: [mortally: Heb. in life]
Contradiction with Numbers 35:31
This verse states that no satisfaction shall be taken for the life of a murderer who deserves to die, contradicting the concept of providing a place of refuge for slayers.
Numbers 35:31: Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which [is] guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. [guilty...: Heb. faulty to die]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 27:24
This verse pronounces a curse on anyone who smites their neighbor secretly, suggesting no sanctuary should be available for such actions.
Deuteronomy 27:24: Cursed [be] he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Contradiction with Leviticus 24:17
This verse asserts that anyone who kills any man shall be put to death, conflicting with the sanctuary provided for the slayer.
Leviticus 24:17: And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. [killeth...: Heb. smiteth the life of a man]
Paradox #1
The contradiction lies in the concept of cities of refuge, which are intended for both protection and punishment. These cities were meant to shelter those who committed accidental manslaughter, offering protection from avengers. However, this raises an inconsistency: while providing safety, these cities also enforced a form of exile, blurring the line between offering refuge and imposing a penalty, creating a tension between justice and mercy.
Paradox #2
Numbers 35:6 talks about cities of refuge where people who accidentally kill someone can flee for safety. A potential contradiction or inconsistency might arise in the balance between justice for the victim's family and compassion for the person who killed unintentionally. Some may see a conflict between ensuring justice is served and offering protection, potentially allowing someone to escape full accountability. This could be seen as conflicting values between justice and mercy.