Clash of Divine Directives: A Biblical Dilemma
In this article, you will learn how Judges 7:16 contradicts Matthew 5:44, Exodus 14:14, Romans 12:19, James 1:20, Luke 6:27, Proverbs 20:22 and 1 Thessalonians 5:15. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible, a profound collection of sacred texts, often presents a mosaic of teachings that can seem contradictory when viewed side by side. One such example is the narrative in Judges 7:16, where God aids Gideon and his small army by crafting a clever military tactic—using trumpets and concealed lights—to instill fear in their foes. Here, we witness divine support in executing a strategy that directly involves human conflict.
In sharp contrast, numerous New Testament and other Biblical verses advocate for peace, patience, and divine retribution as preferred modes of response to hostility. Matthew 5:44, for instance, echoes Jesus' teachings of loving and praying for one’s enemies, steering clear of warfare. Exodus 14:14 promises that the Lord himself will fight for his people, suggesting they maintain their peace instead of raising arms. Similarly, Romans 12:19 advises believers to refrain from personal vengeance, entrusting it to God's wrath, while James 1:20 warns that human anger does not align with divine righteousness.
Luke 6:27 further solidifies this stance by instructing followers to love their enemies and perform good deeds towards those harboring hate. Proverbs 20:22 discourages repaying evil, advocating for patient reliance on the Lord’s deliverance instead. Lastly, 1 Thessalonians 5:15 calls for doing good universally, emphasizing collective benevolence over pursuing harm.
These verses illustrate a complex tapestry of divine instructions. The juxtaposition of Gideon’s story and these teachings is akin to a coach simultaneously instructing a team to both play defensively and avoid offense altogether. Such contradictions invite us to ponder the nuances in scriptural interpretation—how does one reconcile commands for both strategic defense and peaceful surrender? This apparent dichotomy encourages us to explore deeper theological and philosophical conversations around the nature of divine will and human action.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Judges 7:16 | And he divided the three hundred men [into] three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. [a trumpet...: Heb. trumpets in the hand of all of them] [lamps: or, firebrands, or, torches] |
| 2. | 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; |
| 3. | Exodus 14:14 | The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. |
| 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. | James 1:20 | For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. |
| 6. | Luke 6:27 | But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, |
| 7. | Proverbs 20:22 | Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee. |
| 8. | 1 Thessalonians 5:15 | See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men]. |