Is God's Commandment Consistent? Exploring Biblical Contradictions
In this article, you will learn how 1 Samuel 15:3 contradicts Exodus 20:13, Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27, Romans 12:19 and Proverbs 25:21. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
One of the most intriguing debates stemming from biblical scripture involves how to reconcile seemingly contradictory messages. A prominent example is found in 1 Samuel 15:3, where God instructs King Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites. This directive appears to stand in stark contrast to other biblical verses that advocate for more pacifistic and forgiving approaches.
Exodus 20:13 makes a clear and straightforward commandment: "Thou shalt not kill." When placed alongside the directive to annihilate the Amalekites, it creates a significant moral quandary. How do we interpret a command to protect life while simultaneously being instructed to take it away?
Turning to the New Testament, Jesus imparts wisdom that also seems to counter the aggressive stance in 1 Samuel 15:3. In Matthew 5:44, He instructs followers to "love your enemies," a message echoed in Luke 6:27, which also encourages doing good to those who harbor ill will. Both of these verses promote a philosophy of love and kindness, even towards one's adversaries.
Romans 12:19 adds another layer of complexity by advising against personal vengeance, urging believers to leave retribution to God’s hands. This perspective seemingly clashes with Saul’s command to enact divine vengeance upon the Amalekites. Similarly, Proverbs 25:21 suggests showing compassion by feeding one's hungry enemy, an act of grace contrary to the complete destruction justified through earlier scriptures.
These contradictions can be likened to receiving conflicting instructions from a parent—one says to maintain peace at all costs, while the other demands you retaliate fiercely when wronged. Resolving these biblical tensions requires careful interpretation and contextual understanding. Perhaps the underlying question is not which command is right, but how these texts compel us to reflect deeply on the nature of justice, mercy, and obedience. How should we understand divine instruction in the context of overarching moral principles?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1 Samuel 15:3 | Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. |
| 2. | Exodus 20:13 | Thou shalt not kill. |
| 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; |
| 4. | Luke 6:27 | But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, |
| 5. | 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. |
| 6. | Proverbs 25:21 | If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: |