When Justice is Uneven: Grappling with Biblical Contradictions on Kidnapping
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 24:7 contradicts Exodus 21:16, Genesis 37:28, 2 Kings 5:2, Judges 21:23, Numbers 31:9 and Jeremiah 34:16. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In the tapestry of biblical narratives, one resounding theme is the call for justice and righteousness. Deuteronomy 24:7 insists on the death penalty for kidnapping and selling a person, a stern command designed to safeguard individuals from exploitation and bondage. This principle reflects a broader moral edict against dehumanizing actions.
However, a closer examination of other biblical accounts reveals instances that appear at odds with this commandment. For example, in Genesis 37:28, Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, yet they face no immediate divine retribution or societal justice as described in Deuteronomy. This story, while ultimately leading to greater narratives of redemption and forgiveness, does not align with the prescribed punishment for their transgression.
Consider 2 Kings 5:2, where a Syrian raid results in capturing a young maid. The text does not delve into repercussions for her captors, thus omitting the enforcement of justice akin to overlooking a red light without consequence. Similarly, Judges 21:23 narrates the Benjaminites forcibly taking wives from Shiloh without the Bible outlining any divine or legal penalty, posing questions about the consistency of justice.
In Numbers 31:9, the Israelites capture Midianite women and children, with no recorded punitive measures against the perpetrators, seemingly sidestepping the Deuteronomical mandate. The narrative seems to pass without critique, like watching a scene unfold and leaving the script's moral ambiguities unattended.
Jeremiah 34:16 further complicates this landscape, as Hebrews who had freed their slaves later re-enslave them. This act contradicts the spirit of liberty championed in Deuteronomy, yet lacks the prescribed death penalty, akin to breaking a promise without facing the judge.
These discrepancies provoke thought: How can these narratives coexist with the unequivocal command in Deuteronomy 24:7? Such contradictions invite a deeper exploration into the complexities of justice and morality within these ancient texts.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 24:7 | If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you. |
| 2. | Exodus 21:16 | And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. |
| 3. | Genesis 37:28 | Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty [pieces] of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. |
| 4. | 2 Kings 5:2 | And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. [waited...: Heb. was before] |
| 5. | Judges 21:23 | And the children of Benjamin did so, and took [them] wives, according to their number, of them that danced, whom they caught: and they went and returned unto their inheritance, and repaired the cities, and dwelt in them. |
| 6. | Numbers 31:9 | And the children of Israel took [all] the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods. |
| 7. | Jeremiah 34:16 | But ye turned and polluted my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom ye had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids. |