When Courage and Commandments Collide: A Biblical Paradox
In this article, you will learn how Judges 4:21 contradicts Exodus 20:13, Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:19, Matthew 26:52, Hebrews 10:30 and Proverbs 25:21-22. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The tale of Jael in Judges 4:21 presents a fascinating blend of courage and controversy. This narrative describes how Jael bravely kills Sisera, a man who posed a threat to her people. However, this act of valor appears to clash with several biblical principles, creating an intriguing juxtaposition.
The commandment in Exodus 20:13, "Thou shalt not kill," is perhaps the most direct contradiction. While Jael's actions could be seen as heroic, they also involve taking a life, conflicting with this fundamental decree. Similarly, Matthew 5:44 encourages us to "Love your enemies," an ideal seemingly disregarded when Jael decisively ends Sisera's life.
Romans 12:19 advises, "Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath." Jael’s deliberate act of vengeance stands in stark contrast to this directive, raising questions about who gets to decide the appropriate form of justice. This tension is echoed in Hebrews 10:30, which states, "Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord." This verse suggests that retribution should be left to divine will, creating a conflict with Jael’s human-led justice.
Matthew 26:52 warns, "For all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword," cautioning against using violence as a means to an end. Jael’s method, using a tent peg to kill, challenges this assertion. Additionally, Proverbs 25:21-22 advises showing kindness to one's enemies, which Jael appears to do initially by offering milk to Sisera, only to subsequently take his life.
These scriptures present a complex lattice of moral and ethical questions. In a world where justice and compassion often intersect, how do we reconcile such contradictions? Jael’s story invites us to ponder the sometimes-blurred lines between human courage and divine command.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Judges 4:21 | Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died. [and took: Heb. and put] |
| 2. | Exodus 20:13 | Thou shalt not kill. |
| 3. | 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; |
| 4. | Romans 12:19 | Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. |
| 5. | Matthew 26:52 | Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? |
| 6. | Hebrews 10:30 | For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. |
| 7. | Proverbs 25:21-22 | If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: |