Numbers 9:19 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Moses, when God's cloud stayed over the special tent for a long time, the Israelite people listened to God and stayed where they were. They trusted and waited until God showed them it was time to move again.

Contradiction with Exodus 40:36-37

Numbers 9:19 emphasizes waiting and obedience to the cloud's movement, whereas Exodus 40:36-37 suggests an immediate journey when the cloud was taken up, not necessarily prioritizing extended waiting.

Exodus 40:36-37: And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: [went onward: Heb. journeyed]

Contradiction with Matthew 8:21-22

Numbers 9:19 speaks to obedience and waiting, contrasting with Matthew 8:21-22, where immediate and uncompromised following is encouraged, without consideration for pause or delay.

Matthew 8:21-22: And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Contradiction with Numbers 10:33

Numbers 9:19 stresses staying put when the cloud remains, conflicting with Numbers 10:33 where the journey proceeded ahead of the ark, implying mobility despite the cloud.

Numbers 10:33: And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.

Contradiction with Exodus 14:15

Numbers 9:19 requires waiting for the cloud's cue, while Exodus 14:15 has God instructing Moses to move forward, highlighting action rather than patience or waiting.

Exodus 14:15: And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

Contradiction with Genesis 12:1

Numbers 9:19 indicates waiting for divine signals; in contrast, Genesis 12:1 demonstrates direct instruction to move without mention of waiting for a sign like a cloud.

Genesis 12:1: Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Contradiction with Psalms 46:10

Numbers 9:19 involves movement in response to divine signs, while Psalms 46:10 advises stillness and knowing God, presenting a contradiction in approach between action and inaction.