How Do We Balance Ancient Commands with Calls for Peace and Love?
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 7:1 contradicts Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:18, Luke 6:27, Proverbs 25:21-22, Matthew 22:39 and Ephesians 4:32. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
Throughout history, humanity has faced the challenging task of reconciling seemingly conflicting teachings. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, these tensions are vividly illustrated by contrasting passages from different parts of the Bible.
In Deuteronomy 7:1, Moses shares God's promise to help the Israelites conquer the land of Canaan, promising aid in overcoming "nations greater and mightier" than themselves. This directive focuses on the idea of divine intervention in victory, akin to a coach ensuring their team wins against formidable opponents. However, such a message of conquest appears at odds with numerous New Testament teachings that emphasize love, peace, and kindness.
Consider Matthew 5:44, where the instruction is to "love your enemies." This presents a stark juxtaposition to the call for wartime action in Deuteronomy. Similarly, Romans 12:18 urges believers to "live peaceably with all men." This peaceful coexistence clashes with the combative spirit of earlier directives. Jesus' words in Luke 6:27 further the contradiction, advising followers to "do good to those who hate you." This message of goodwill contrasts sharply with the idea of driving out nations.
Proverbs 25:21-22 introduces another layer, suggesting offering sustenance to one's enemies, akin to feeding wolves to appease them rather than chasing them away. This analogy underscores the shift from force to benevolence. Matthew 22:39 calls for loving one's neighbor, suggesting unity and inclusion rather than exclusion or aggression. Finally, Ephesians 4:32 invites a spirit of kindness and forgiveness, a challenge to maintain amid conflict.
These varying scriptures compel a deeper reflection on how to balance ancient commands for conquest with newer exhortations toward love and peace. This tension encourages believers to ponder: How can one reconcile the call to clear a path with a mission for compassion?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 7:1 | When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; |
| 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 12:18 | If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. |
| 4. | Luke 6:27 | But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, |
| 5. | Proverbs 25:21-22 | If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: |
| 6. | Matthew 22:39 | On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. |
| 7. | Ephesians 4:32 | And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. |