Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Samuel 23:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Samuel 23:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Samuel 23:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, Benaiah was a brave and strong man who did many amazing things. He fought two very strong warriors and even defeated a lion on a snowy day.

2 Samuel 23:20: And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: [who...: Heb. great of acts] [lionlike...: Heb. lion of God]

Contradiction with Genesis 9:5-6

Contradicts the notion of celebrating violence by emphasizing that God will require a reckoning for the shedding of human blood.

Genesis 9:5-6: And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:39

Challenges the aggressive act by teaching to not resist an evil person and turn the other cheek instead of engaging in violence.

Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Contradiction with Romans 12:17

Opposes the idea of glorifying violent acts, teaching instead to repay no one evil for evil.

Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Contradiction with Mount 5:9

Contradicts by promoting peace, stating that peacemakers will be called the children of God, opposing the valorization of aggression.

Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4

Contradicts by envisioning a future where nations will not take up swords against each other, opposing any celebration of killing.

Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in that verse could involve the aspect of humans killing lions in a natural setting, especially in snowy conditions. In reality, lions inhabit savannahs and grasslands, not snowy areas. Additionally, fighting and killing a lion with bare hands or simple weapons would be extremely unlikely given the lion's strength and agility. Overall, some might view such events as miraculous or symbolic rather than literal. However, portraying them as literal occurrences can conflict with our understanding of animal behavior and habitats.

Paradox #2

This verse could be seen as having a moral conflict because it describes an act of killing lions, which can be interpreted as either a heroic deed or an unnecessary act of violence against animals, depending on one's perspective on the value of animal life and the justification for such actions.

Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information provided.