When Divine Commands Clash: A Journey Through Contradiction
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 3:6 contradicts Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:17, Exodus 20:13, Luke 6:27, Proverbs 25:21, Ezekiel 33:11, James 3:17 and 1 John 4:8. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible often presents us with contrasting messages that can be challenging to reconcile. One of the more apparent contradictions appears between verses like Deuteronomy 3:6 and various New Testament teachings. In Deuteronomy, we read about God's commandments for total destruction, as the Israelites conquer their enemies completely, leaving no survivors. This seems straightforward, yet it starkly contrasts with passages found later in the biblical narrative.
Jesus, in Matthew 5:44, offers a very different message by saying to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Similarly, Romans 12:17 cautions us against repaying evil with evil, advocating instead for a spirit of peace and understanding. These ideas are worlds apart from the violence described in Deuteronomy. Moving to Exodus 20:13, one of the Ten Commandments states simply, "Thou shalt not kill," posing a direct conflict with the idea of annihilation in warfare.
The Proverbs 25:21 advice to feed and give drink to one's enemy further adds to this narrative of mercy over judgment. Meanwhile, Ezekiel 33:11 showcases God's lack of delight in the death of the wicked, implying a preference for repentance over destruction. James 3:17 describes wisdom from above as peaceable and gentle, contrasting radically with the hellish battlefield of Deuteronomy. Finally, 1 John 4:8 offers a clear, unforgettable declaration that "God is love."
These contradictions can feel like navigating the relationship with a dual-sided coin; both sides belong to the same entity but showcase completely different ideals. Are these contradictions calling for us to question interpretations of divine commands, urging us to evolve in our understanding? As we journey through these scriptures, could it be that they invite a deeper exploration of faith, challenging us to reconcile these seemingly opposing divine messages?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 3:6 | And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city. |
| 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. | Romans 12:17 | Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. |
| 4. | Exodus 20:13 | Thou shalt not kill. |
| 5. | Luke 6:27 | But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, |
| 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. | Ezekiel 33:11 | Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? |
| 8. | James 3:17 | But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [partiality: or, wrangling] |
| 9. | 1 John 4:8 | He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. |