Contradictions in Biblical Perspectives on Conflict
In this article, you will learn how Judges 11:27 contradicts Exodus 23:32, Deuteronomy 20:10-11, Joshua 11:19-20, 2 Kings 18:31-32 and Matthew 5:9. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In the Book of Judges, Jephthah's story highlights a moment where he declares his innocence in a brewing conflict, as seen in Judges 11:27. Jephthah argues that he hasn’t committed any wrongdoing and asks God to judge between the parties. However, when compared to other biblical texts, this stance presents some contradictions, each offering a different viewpoint on conflict and possession.
For instance, Exodus 23:32 instructs the Israelites not to make covenants with the inhabitants of the land. This poses a challenge to Jephthah’s assertion of rightful ownership, as his claim of possession seems at odds with the command to avoid covenants with the native people. It's akin to someone claiming ownership of property while bypassing the established legal documents required for such possession.
Deuteronomy 20:10-11 advises offering peace before attacking a city. This guidance contrasts with Jephthah’s justifications for his position, highlighting a call for diplomacy rather than immediate conflict. Imagine a situation where a neighbor dispute arises, and rather than seeking peaceful resolution, one insists on confrontation as the first course of action.
The narrative in Joshua 11:19-20, which mentions that no cities made peace with Israel except the Hivites, further complicates Jephthah's argument. It suggests that making peace was rare, thereby questioning Jephthah’s expectation of uncontested possession.
2 Kings 18:31-32 offers an invitation to surrender and peace under Assyrian rule, which contradicts the defensive and adversarial posture in Jephthah’s story. It's reminiscent of a scenario where one is advised to seek a mutually beneficial solution rather than resisting an overwhelming force.
Lastly, the New Testament presents Matthew 5:9, where peacemakers are blessed, underscoring a significant contradiction to the conflict-driven narrative in Judges. This beatitude aligns more with reconciliation and peace, suggesting that lasting solutions are forged through harmony rather than conflict.
These verses collectively challenge the reader to consider various biblical perspectives on conflict, ownership, and peace, raising questions about how these principles reconcile within the broader teachings of Scripture.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Judges 11:27 | Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon. |
| 2. | Exodus 23:32 | Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. |
| 3. | Deuteronomy 20:10-11 | When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it. |
| 4. | Joshua 11:19-20 | There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all [other] they took in battle. |
| 5. | 2 Kings 18:31-32 | Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make [an agreement] with me by a present, and come out to me, and [then] eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern: [Make...: or, Seek my favour: Heb. Make with me a blessing] [cistern: or, pit] |
| 6. | Matthew 5:9 | Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. |