Contradiction with Numbers 4:5-8
These verses describe the responsibilities of the Kohathites for carrying the tabernacle furnishings, indicating that wagons were unnecessary, whereas Numbers 7:4 suggests a need for wagons.
Numbers 4:5-8: And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it:
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 10:8
States that the tribe of Levi, to which the Kohathites belong, was chosen to bear the ark and sacred objects on their shoulders, contradicting the use of wagons in Numbers 7:4.
Deuteronomy 10:8: At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.
Contradiction with Numbers 18:3
Specifies that the Levites are to minister to the needs of the tabernacle but shall not touch the holy things, supporting the idea of direct handling and contradicting the need for wagons.
Numbers 18:3: And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor ye also, die.
Contradiction with Joshua 3:3
Instructs the Israelites to follow the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant on foot, without wagons involved, contrasting with Numbers 7:4's implications of a need for wagons.
Joshua 3:3: And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.