Contradiction with Micah 6:8
This verse emphasizes doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God, while Numbers 5:26 involves a ritual for determining guilt involving a curse that might not align with the mercy emphasized in Micah.
Micah 6:8: He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? [walk...: Heb. humble thyself to walk]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:7
This verse states, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy," suggesting a focus on forgiveness, which contrasts with the punitive and curse-based nature of Numbers 5:26.
Matthew 5:7: Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Contradiction with John 8:7
In the story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus advocates for mercy and forgiveness over judgment, which contradicts the procedure in Numbers 5:26 aimed at uncovering guilt through a ritual.
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 2:13
"For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment," suggesting a merciful approach to judgment, in contrast with the ritual in Numbers 5:26.
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 contradiction in this verse could be seen in the way it describes a ritual that some might find unjust or unfair by modern standards. It involves a test to prove a woman's faithfulness, which could be viewed as biased and lacking in equal treatment, as there is no equivalent test for men. This can raise questions about gender inequality and fairness.