Contradiction with Proverbs 28:13
This verse suggests that covering one's sins will not allow prosperity, whereas confessing and forsaking them brings mercy. Numbers 5:7 focuses on confession and restitution for trespasses.
Proverbs 28:13: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:14-15
These verses emphasize forgiveness from God as dependent on forgiving others, contrasting with Numbers 5:7's focus on restitution to the wronged party without mention of forgiveness from God after confession.
Matthew 6:14-15: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Contradiction with James 5:16
Encourages confessing faults to one another and praying for each other to be healed, implying a communal approach rather than the individual restitution described in Numbers 5:7.
James 5:16: Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Paradox #1
Numbers 5:7 discusses the confession and restitution process. A potential theological inconsistency here might be how the concept of making reparations aligns with the idea of forgiveness or grace in other parts of the Bible, like in the New Testament, where salvation is often described as a gift that doesn't require works. This could create tension between the importance of law and action in the Old Testament versus the emphasis on faith and grace in the New Testament.
Paradox #2
The potential doctrinal conflict with Numbers 5:7 could relate to differences in how various religious traditions view confession and restitution. Some might see a contradiction in the way responsibility and forgiveness are handled in this verse compared to other parts of the Bible. For instance, the process described here might seem more legalistic compared to the emphasis on grace and faith in the New Testament.
Paradox #3
Numbers 5:7 speaks about confessing a sin and making restitution for it. A potential moral conflict could arise if one considers the broader biblical theme of forgiveness and grace. While confession and restitution are important, some might see a contradiction between the emphasis on paying back for wrongdoing and the idea that forgiveness can also be freely given without conditions. This could seem inconsistent with the New Testament teachings on unconditional forgiveness and grace.