Does God Require Us to Defend Him? Exploring Biblical Contradictions
In this article, you will learn how Judges 6:31 contradicts Exodus 20:3, Deuteronomy 13:6-10, 1 Kings 18:21, Psalm 96:5 and 1 Corinthians 8:4-6. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In the heart of the Bible, we encounter a thought-provoking moment in Judges 6:31. Joash challenges the people who are infuriated that his son, Gideon, destroyed Baal's altar. Joash essentially asks, "If Baal is truly a god, doesn’t he have the power to defend himself?" This challenge raises an intriguing perspective: should gods need people to defend them?
However, when viewed alongside other scriptures, this perspective seems to clash with a number of other teachings. For instance, Exodus 20:3 clearly commands us not to have any other gods before the one true God. It implies a level of devotion and action—actively avoiding other gods—that doesn’t quite align with Joash’s passive stance of letting Baal prove his own divinity.
Similarly, Deuteronomy 13:6-10 takes it even further, instructing followers to take severe actions against those enticed to worship other gods. This contrasts sharply with Joash's laid-back approach, suggesting a demand for active eradication over indifference.
In a more confrontational spirit, 1 Kings 18:21 tells us how the prophet Elijah directly challenged the followers of Baal, overtly demanding a choice between Baal and the Lord, emphasizing the need for an active stance against false gods.
Furthermore, Psalm 96:5 and 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 both declare all gods of nations as mere idols, underscoring the existence of only one true God. They seem to encourage rejecting idols outright, which contrasts with the idea of simply letting the false god be as Joash suggests.
These apparent contradictions evoke a deeper reflection: Is faith about active engagement against false beliefs, or is it about letting truth stand on its own? As we ponder these verses, we're encouraged to explore the complexities and nuances within faith and scripture.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Judges 6:31 | And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst [it is yet] morning: if he [be] a god, let him plead for himself, because [one] hath cast down his altar. |
| 2. | Exodus 20:3 | Thou shalt have no other gods before me. |
| 3. | Deuteronomy 13:6-10 | If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; |
| 4. | 1 Kings 18:21 | And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word. [opinions: or, thoughts] |
| 5. | Psalm 96:5 | For all the gods of the nations [are] idols: but the LORD made the heavens. |
| 6. | 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 | As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one. |