Contradiction with 1 Samuel 8:17
This verse describes the Israelites' sons being taken to serve a king, contrasting with Numbers 3:9 where the Levites are given to serve solely in the tabernacle, not a king.
1 Samuel 8:17: He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 8:15
Here, the king takes a tenth of grain and vineyards, which differs from the Levites receiving tithes in Numbers 3:9 for their service to God.
1 Samuel 8:15: And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. [officers: Heb. eunuchs]
Contradiction with Numbers 16:3
Korah's rebellion questions the uniqueness of the Levites' role, contradicting the exclusive assignment seen in Numbers 3:9.
Numbers 16:3: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, [Ye take] too much upon you, seeing all the congregation [are] holy, every one of them, and the LORD [is] among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? [Ye take...: Heb. It is much for you]
Contradiction with Exodus 19:5-6
This passage speaks of the whole nation of Israel as a kingdom of priests, which contrasts with the specific priestly role assigned to the Levites in Numbers 3:9.
Exodus 19:5-6: Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:
Contradiction with Hebrews 7:12
This verse discusses a change in the law and priesthood, contrasting the permanent Levitical assignment mentioned in Numbers 3:9.
Hebrews 7:12: For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
Contradiction with Galatians 3:28
Speaks about equality among believers, contrasting the distinct role of the Levites set apart in Numbers 3:9.
Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Contradiction with Colossians 2:16-17
Suggests a move away from old covenant regulations, contradicting the continued Levitical roles outlined in Numbers 3:9.
Colossians 2:16-17: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: [in meat...: or, for eating and drinking] [respect: or, part]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency in Numbers 3:9 might arise from the idea of assigning or giving the Levites to the priests for religious service, which could be seen as conflicting with modern views on individual autonomy and consent. The practice of assigning people for tasks based on their lineage might be viewed as unfair or non-voluntary by contemporary standards.