Can You Love Your Enemies While Destroying Them?
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 20:17 contradicts Exodus 20:13, Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27, Proverbs 25:21 and Romans 12:20. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible presents a diverse collection of teachings, some of which can seem contradictory when viewed side-by-side. Consider, for instance, the command found in Deuteronomy 20:17, where Moses instructs the Israelites to remove certain groups from their land. This directive was given as a means to help the Israelites live according to divine intentions, as these groups were seen to be engaging in behaviors contrary to God's will. However, this idea of destruction raises intriguing questions when placed alongside other biblical teachings.
In Exodus 20:13, one of the most well-known commandments states simply, "Thou shalt not kill." This clear instruction appears at odds with the call to warfare and annihilation found in Deuteronomy. Similarly, the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament emphasize love and kindness towards one's enemies. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus instructs his followers to "love your enemies," an idea that seems to directly conflict with the mandate in Deuteronomy to destroy them.
Further amplifying this contradiction, Luke 6:27 advises, "do good to them which hate you," suggesting a message of compassion over conflict. Proverbs 25:21 echoes this sentiment with, "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat," suggesting care even for foes. Romans 12:20 further complements this philosophy: "If thine enemy hunger, feed him." These teachings advocate for a response of mercy and provision rather than eradication.
This tension between Old and New Testament instructions can be likened to the struggle of balancing justice and mercy. On one hand, there's a call for decisive action against wrongdoing; on the other, there's an appeal for unfailing compassion. These conflicting messages invite readers to ponder how one might reconcile such differences in religious guidance—is it possible to love your enemies while being directed to destroy them?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 20:17 | But thou shalt utterly destroy them; [namely], the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee: |
| 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. | Proverbs 25:21 | If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: |
| 6. | Romans 12:20 | Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. |