Contradictions and Paradoxes in Numbers 3:23

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Numbers 3:23 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Numbers 3:23. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, the Gershonite families were told to set up their tents behind the special tent where God was, on the west side. This meant they had an important job helping to take care of the holy things.

Numbers 3:23: The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.

Contradiction with Leviticus 1:11

This verse describes the offering being killed on the side of the altar northward, which contrasts with Numbers 3:23 mentioning camp arrangements southward.

Leviticus 1:11: And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about upon the altar.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:44

It talks about destruction from the south, contrasting with Numbers 3:23's positive reference to the south.

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 Genesis 13:3

Refers to Abram traveling south, contradicting the northward travel implied in Numbers 3:23.

Genesis 13:3: And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;

Contradiction with Proverbs 25:23

States the north wind drives away rain, contradicting the protective nature associated with southward encampment in Numbers 3:23.

Proverbs 25:23: The north wind driveth away rain: so [doth] an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. [driveth...: or, bringeth forth rain: so doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance]

Contradiction with Numbers 2:10

It commands the Reubenites to camp on the south side, conflicting with Numbers 3:23's specification for the tribe of Levi.

Numbers 2:10: On the south side [shall be] the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben [shall be] Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 46:6

Discusses fleeing toward the north, conflicting with the southward encampment instructions in Numbers 3:23.

Jeremiah 46:6: Let not the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; they shall stumble, and fall toward the north by the river Euphrates.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 20:46

Calls to face southward and prophecies against places there, contradicting the sense of security or order in Numbers 3:23.

Ezekiel 20:46: Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop [thy word] toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;

Contradiction with Psalms 107:3

Speaks of gathering people from the north, which contrasts with the south-oriented arrangement in Numbers 3:23.

Psalms 107:3: And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. [south: Heb. sea]

Contradiction with Ezekiel 48:28

Divides land with boundaries facing south, contrasting with the Levites' camp direction in Numbers 3:23.

Ezekiel 48:28: And by the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall be even from Tamar [unto] the waters of strife [in] Kadesh, [and] to the river toward the great sea. [strife...: or, Meribahkadesh]
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