"Sneak Attacks and Love Your Enemies: How Do We Reconcile These Ideas?"
In this article, you will learn how Judges 9:32 contradicts Proverbs 3:5, Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, Exodus 14:14, Romans 12:19, James 1:20 and 1 Peter 3:9. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible is a rich tapestry of teachings and narratives, yet it is not without its complexities. Take, for instance, the account in Judges 9:32, which narrates a plan to ambush an enemy under the cloak of night. This story reflects the human strategy of stealth and cunning—a far cry from the essence of love and trust heralded elsewhere in the scriptures.
Contrarily, verses like Proverbs 3:5, where believers are encouraged to "Trust in the LORD," suggest a reliance not on one's own schemes but on divine wisdom. Similarly, Matthew 5:44 calls on us to love and bless our enemies, a stark contradiction to the idea of plotting harm against them, as seen in Judges.
The essence of fair conduct is further supported by Romans 12:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:15, which espouse honesty and goodness, even towards those who wrong us. These teachings prompt us to act with integrity rather than resort to subterfuge.
Additionally, Exodus 14:14 promises that the Lord will fight for us, advocating for divine intervention over human-instigated violence. In a similar vein, Romans 12:19 reminds us that vengeance is the Lord's prerogative, urging patience over personal retribution.
James 1:20 and 1 Peter 3:9 stress that human wrath does not produce godly righteousness and encourage us to repay the hurt with blessings instead.
The apparent contradiction begs the question: How can one reconcile the cunning strategies of Judges with the benevolent instructions to love and trust found elsewhere? This paradox can be likened to choosing paths in life—opting for patience and divine guidance over deception and outright vengeance. By navigating these teachings, believers are invited to explore deeper truths and reflect on the values they choose to uphold in their journey of faith.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Judges 9:32 | Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that [is] with thee, and lie in wait in the field: |
| 2. | Proverbs 3:5 | Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. |
| 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 12:17 | Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. |
| 5. | 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]. |
| 6. | Exodus 14:14 | The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. |
| 7. | 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. |
| 8. | James 1:20 | For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. |
| 9. | 1 Peter 3:9 | Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. |