Contradiction with John 8:7
This verse, which speaks of Jesus saying, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her," highlights the idea of forgiveness and refraining from judgment, in contrast to the punitive approach in Numbers 5:20.
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
James questions who has the right to judge others, emphasizing that only God is the lawgiver and judge, which contradicts the prescribed judgment process in Numbers 5:20.
James 4:12: There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
Contradiction with Romans 3:23
This verse states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, which emphasizes human fallibility and contrasts with the specific divine judgment approach in Numbers 5:20.
Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Contradiction with Matthew 7:1
This verse encourages not to judge to avoid being judged, which conflicts with the ritual judgment described in Numbers 5:20.
Matthew 7:1: Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Contradiction with 1 John 1:9
This verse speaks of confessing sins and receiving forgiveness, focusing on repentance and mercy over judgment, contrasting with the procedure outlined in Numbers 5:20.
1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:14
Here, forgiveness of others is linked to receiving divine forgiveness, which differs from Numbers 5:20's approach to dealing with sin.
Matthew 6:14: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Contradiction with Luke 6:37
This verse instructs not to judge or condemn, aligning with a message of compassion over the testing and possible punishment noted in Numbers 5:20.
Luke 6:37: Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Contradiction with James 2:13
This verse emphasizes mercy triumphing over judgment, contrasting with the judgment inherent in the process described in Numbers 5:20.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Paradox #1
The scientific inconsistency with "Numbers 5:20" could be related to the described ritual's effectiveness as a method for determining infidelity. From a scientific perspective, there is no evidence that such rituals have any basis in detecting truth or falsehood. Modern understanding of human behavior and forensic science does not support the idea that a ritual or physical reaction can reliably indicate guilt or innocence.
Paradox #2
Numbers 5:20 deals with the test for infidelity. A potential contradiction might be that it subjects a woman to a ritual based on suspicion without requiring evidence, while no similar test is prescribed for men. This could raise concerns about fairness and gender equality.