Contradiction with Galatians 3:28
This verse states that there is neither male nor female, contradicting the gender-specific ritual described in Numbers 5:18.
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 Matthew 5:28
This verse emphasizes moral integrity and purity, while Numbers 5:18 involves a physical ritual to determine guilt or innocence.
Matthew 5:28: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Contradiction with John 8:7
This verse advises against judgment, while Numbers 5:18 involves a judgment ritual for suspected adultery.
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 James 4:12
This verse emphasizes that there is only one Lawgiver and Judge, contradicting the human judgment process described in Numbers 5:18.
James 4:12: There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
Contradiction with Colossians 2:14
This verse speaks of canceling the written code with its regulations, which contradicts the adherence to ritual law in Numbers 5:18.
Colossians 2:14: Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Paradox #1
One potential issue with Numbers 5:18 could be seen as a conflict regarding the treatment of women, particularly in how it describes the ritual for a woman suspected of adultery. This ritual could be viewed as inconsistent with later messages of fairness and equality within the Bible, as it places the woman in a vulnerable position based on suspicion alone, without a similar test prescribed for men.
Paradox #2
The scientific conflict with the content of "Numbers 5:18" could lie in the described ritual's lack of a basis in medical science. The passage outlines a procedure meant to determine a woman's fidelity using physical means, which does not align with any scientific understanding of testing or behavioral assessment. There is no scientific evidence that such a ritual could determine guilt or innocence.
Paradox #3
This verse might be viewed as morally inconsistent because it involves a ritual that some interpret as degrading to women. The ritual is based on a husband's suspicion of his wife's infidelity, and the woman must undergo a public ceremony that can be seen as humiliating and unfair, especially since her guilt or innocence relies on a supernatural test rather than evidence. This can be seen as conflicting with modern values of equality and fairness.