Contradiction with Luke 6:36
Contradicts with 2 Samuel 12:31 by emphasizing mercy, whereas 2 Samuel 12:31 describes actions perceived as harsh.
Luke 6:36: Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Contradicts by teaching love and prayer for enemies, opposed to the treatment in 2 Samuel 12:31.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
Contradicts with the commandment "Thou shalt not kill," conflicting with the lethal actions described in 2 Samuel 12:31.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Proverbs 12:10
Contradicts by promoting kindness to animals, suggesting benevolence even to adversaries, unlike 2 Samuel 12:31.
Proverbs 12:10: A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel. [tender...: or, bowels]
Contradiction with Romans 12:20
Contradicts by advising feeding enemies, in stark contrast to the handling of captives in 2 Samuel 12:31.
Romans 12:20: Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Paradox #1
Some people find a conflict in how this verse depicts the treatment of captured people, which seems harsh and inconsistent with later biblical teachings about mercy and compassion. This might seem contradictory to the idea of a loving and just God.
Paradox #2
2 Samuel 12:31 could be seen as conflicting with the broader biblical teaching on mercy and the treatment of enemies. Some interpretations suggest that the verse implies harsh treatment or violence. This might seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that emphasize compassion and loving one's neighbor or enemy. This creates a tension between different teachings on how to treat others, particularly in a context of victory or conquest.
Paradox #3
Some people point out a contradiction or conflict in 2 Samuel 12:31 with 1 Chronicles 20:3, because they describe the aftermath of a battle differently. 2 Samuel describes punishing captives harshly, while 1 Chronicles suggests forced labor. This difference has led to debates about the consistency of the accounts.
Paradox #4
The contradiction could involve the historical and moral implications of the described actions, which may not align with archaeological evidence or modern ethical standards. Since the verse discusses acts that are extreme from a contemporary viewpoint, it can conflict with current understandings of human behavior and historical accuracy.
Paradox #5
The contradiction in this verse could be the apparent approval of harsh treatment towards conquered people, which may conflict with the broader Biblical teachings on compassion, kindness, and valuing human life. This harshness seems inconsistent with the image of a merciful and just deity.