Did God Ordain the Conquest or Forbid It?
In this article, you will learn how Judges 11:22 contradicts Deuteronomy 2:9, Numbers 21:24-25 and Deuteronomy 2:19. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The narrative of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land poses intriguing contradictions about divine instructions regarding territorial acquisition. A central theme in Judges 11:22 illustrates God aiding His people to seize lands from the Amorites—territory encompassing from Arnon to the Jabbok. This displays a triumphant narrative of divine-backed conquest, where faith results in the fulfillment of God's promise.
Yet, this portrayal seems to clash with earlier scriptures. In Deuteronomy 2:9, God explicitly instructs the Israelites not to engage the Moabites in battle, nor claim their land. Similarly, Deuteronomy 2:19 cautions against taking land from the children of Ammon. Both verses depict divine directives urging avoidance of conflicts over certain territories. This becomes more nuanced considering Numbers 21:24-25, which recounts the Israelites defeating an Amorite king to claim land stretching from the Arnon to the Jabbok—isn't this the same area they weren't supposed to contest according to previous instructions?
Imagine two drivers at an intersection, each seeing a different light—a green to go, and a red to stop. Divine guidance, as reflected across different texts, feels akin to this dual-colored signal—on one hand, authorizing movement (Judges 11:22), yet cautioning against it on other occasions (Deuteronomy 2:9, 2:19; Numbers 21:24-25).
So how do these parallel narratives coexist? Perhaps the historical context suggests shifts in divine strategy, reflective of changing circumstances. Or, it might highlight the evolving understanding and interpretation of divine commands by different authors. The juxtaposition of these verses asks readers to ponder deeper—did God ultimately endorse the conquest, or were there specific lands He clearly marked off-limits? This exploration encourages a closer look into the dynamics of faith, obedience, and the complexities inherent in understanding divine will.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Judges 11:22 | And they possessed all the coasts of the Amorites, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and from the wilderness even unto Jordan. |
| 2. | Deuteronomy 2:9 | And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land [for] a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot [for] a possession. [Distress...: or, Use no hostility against Moab] |
| 3. | Numbers 21:24-25 | And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong. |
| 4. | Deuteronomy 2:19 | And [when] thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon [any] possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot [for] a possession. |