Seeing God: A Comfort or a Contradiction?

In this article, you will learn how Judges 6:23 contradicts Genesis 32:30, Exodus 33:20, John 1:18, 1 Timothy 6:16 and Exodus 3:6. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

The Bible presents an intriguing mix of narratives that seem to outline varying perspectives on encountering God face-to-face. One such account is found in Judges 6:23, where God reassures Gideon, urging him not to be afraid and promising that no harm will come to him. This comforting statement is reminiscent of a parent soothing a frightened child, offering assurances of safety and protection.

However, when we examine other biblical passages, a different picture emerges, suggesting potential contradictions. For example, in Genesis 32:30, Jacob is astounded that he has seen God “face to face” and survived, which raises questions about the widely held belief that beholding God’s face results in death. Meanwhile, in Exodus 33:20, God explicitly tells Moses, “Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live,” implying that such an encounter is perilous.

Similarly, the New Testament adds layers to this complex narrative. In John 1:18, it is stated that "no man hath seen God at any time,” seemingly in direct contrast to Gideon’s experience. Furthermore, 1 Timothy 6:16 describes God as dwelling in “unapproachable light; whom no man hath seen, nor can see,” reinforcing the idea of God being beyond human perception.

Exodus 3:6 presents another aspect, where Moses hides his face in fear of looking at God, aligning with the notion that beholding God is a daunting experience—quite unlike Gideon’s reassuring encounter. These contrasting accounts challenge readers to ponder the complexities of divine encounters and question how these differences coexist within the biblical narrative. Why do some individuals find comfort in God’s presence while others are warned of its deadly consequences? Examining these narratives invites us to explore the multifaceted understanding of spirituality and divine revelation within scriptural texts.