Contradiction with Romans 12:19
This verse emphasizes not seeking personal vengeance, contradicting the idea of seeking retribution or a restitution from the Gibeonites in 2 Samuel 21:3.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse teaches to love and do good to enemies, contradicting the act of seeking reparation or redress of grievances as seen in 2 Samuel 21:3.
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 Ezekiel 18:20
This verse states that a son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, differing from the idea of punishing Saul’s descendants in 2 Samuel 21:3.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:29
Advises against saying, "I will do to him as he hath done to me," which contrasts with the request for compensation in 2 Samuel 21:3.
Proverbs 24:29: Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16
Asserts that children should not be put to death for the sins of their fathers, contradicting the actions discussed in 2 Samuel 21:3.
Deuteronomy 24:16: The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Paradox #1
In 2 Samuel 21:3, there is a situation where David seeks a way to make amends with the Gibeonites to stop a famine. This raises questions about justice and retribution, as the resolution involves handing over Saul's descendants to be killed, which seems contrary to other biblical principles of individual justice and mercy, such as in Ezekiel 18:20 where it says children should not be punished for their parents' sins. Thus, there is a potential contradiction between communal responsibility and individual accountability.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in 2 Samuel 21:3 could be seen in the idea of collective punishment. The verse involves seeking to make amends by punishing the descendants of someone for actions that person took. This conflicts with the concept of individual responsibility, as it punishes individuals for actions they did not commit themselves.