Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse instructs to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, which contradicts the battle motif and divine empowerment against enemies in 2 Samuel 22:40.
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 Romans 12:19
This verse advises against seeking vengeance, instead leaving it to God's wrath, opposing the call in 2 Samuel 22:40 for the individual to actively subdue enemies with divine aid.
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 Proverbs 25:21-22
These verses encourage feeding your enemy if they are hungry and giving them water if thirsty, offering a way of overcoming evil with good, unlike the subjugation of enemies depicted in 2 Samuel 22:40.
Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Contradiction with Luke 6:27
Similar to Matthew 5:44, this verse emphasizes doing good to enemies, directly conflicting with the notion of defeating and overpowering enemies presented in 2 Samuel 22:40.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with Exodus 14:14
This verse suggests that the Lord will fight for you while you remain still, which contrasts with the active engagement in battle and personal conquest empowered by God in 2 Samuel 22:40.
Exodus 14:14: The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Paradox #1
The moral conflict in 2 Samuel 22:40 might arise from the emphasis on using strength for victory over enemies, which can seem inconsistent with teachings about love, forgiveness, and peace found elsewhere in the Bible. This may create tension between themes of violence and those of compassion and reconciliation.