Bravery: A Call or a Choice? Contradictions in Scripture
In this article, you will learn how Judges 7:3 contradicts Joshua 1:9, 2 Timothy 1:7, Deuteronomy 20:8 and 1 Samuel 17:24. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible is full of diverse teachings on courage and bravery, each providing unique perspectives that can sometimes seem contradictory. Consider the account in Judges 7:3, where God's instructions to Gideon were clear: those who are fearful or anxious should leave the ranks of the army. This instruction led to a drastic cut in the number of Gideon's warriors, leaving only those who were genuinely ready and willing to fight. This scenario can be likened to a leader in modern times, allowing an employee to opt out if they’re not confident about a challenging project, focusing instead on a dedicated team.
Contrast this with Joshua 1:9, which is more about an internal call to strength and courage. It encourages individuals to rise above their insecurities and face challenges head-on, similar to a life coach pushing an athlete to tap into their untapped potential. This contrasts with Gideon’s approach, where fear was a legitimate reason for departure.
2 Timothy 1:7 also offers a perspective that no fear should linger, as God has given a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. This could be seen as the encouragement for employees to embrace the company culture of confidence and resilience rather than bowing out.
Meanwhile, Deuteronomy 20:8 aligns closely with Judges, allowing the fearful to leave before battle, but within a broader context of warfare rather than Gideon's specific circumstance.
Then there’s 1 Samuel 17:24, where the panic of the Israelite army before Goliath paints a picture of unstructured fear leading to flight, a stark difference from Judges where fear was acknowledged calmly and orderly.
These seemingly contradictory messages prompt a reflective journey about the nuances in courage and fear. Should fear be a factor that disqualifies one from a cause, or is it an obstacle to overcome? The Bible offers various lenses to view this timeless question.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Judges 7:3 | Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever [is] fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. |
| 2. | Joshua 1:9 | Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest. |
| 3. | 2 Timothy 1:7 | For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. |
| 4. | Deuteronomy 20:8 | And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man [is there that is] fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart. [faint: Heb. melt] |
| 5. | 1 Samuel 17:24 | And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. [from...: Heb. from his face] |