Can Absolute Destruction Coexist with Love and Mercy?
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 20:16 contradicts Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27, Romans 12:19, Exodus 20:13, Proverbs 25:21, Matthew 7:12 and James 2:13. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible presents a fascinating and complex range of teachings that at times seem to contradict one another. A key example of this is the instruction found in Deuteronomy 20:16. Here, God commands His people, through Moses, to utterly destroy certain cities to ensure a safe and untainted place for them to live. This directive raises questions when held against other biblical teachings advocating love, mercy, and forgiveness.
In the New Testament, Jesus's teaching reflects a stark contrast to the command for total annihilation. In Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27, believers are urged to love their enemies and do good to those who hate them. These verses champion a spirit of compassion and forgiveness rather than destruction. Are not these teachings more akin to the act of healing an enemy, much like offering water to a wilting plant rather than uprooting it entirely?
Furthermore, Romans 12:19 advises against taking personal vengeance, leaving it to divine wisdom. This begs the question: How does one reconcile the human act of destroying enemies with the divine call for patience and trust in God's justice?
The Ten Commandments, specifically Exodus 20:13, clearly instruct, "Thou shalt not kill," echoing the notion of preserving life. This commandment seems to stand against the earlier directive of destruction. Similarly, Proverbs 25:21 suggests feeding and caring for one's enemies, and Matthew 7:12, known as the Golden Rule, encourages treating others as we'd like to be treated ourselves—principles difficult to align with the idea of merciless annihilation.
James 2:13 emphasizes that mercy triumphs over judgment, further challenging the notion of absolute destruction. Are these contradictions merely reflections of different historical contexts, or do they reveal a deeper message about the evolution of moral and spiritual thought? Such contrasting messages compel believers and scholars alike to explore the nuances within the sacred texts, pondering the coexistence of judgment and compassion.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 20:16 | But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee [for] an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth: |
| 2. | 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; |
| 3. | Luke 6:27 | But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, |
| 4. | 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. |
| 5. | Exodus 20:13 | Thou shalt not kill. |
| 6. | Proverbs 25:21 | If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: |
| 7. | Matthew 7:12 | Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. |
| 8. | James 2:13 | For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth] |