Battle Plans and Peace Proclamations: Can We Resolve the Dilemma?
In this article, you will learn how Judges 9:33 contradicts Matthew 5:44, Exodus 20:13, Romans 12:19, Proverbs 25:21-22, Psalm 34:14 and Luke 6:27-28. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The spiritual landscape of the Bible presents a complex interplay between calls for warfare and urges for peace. In Judges 9:33, there’s a call for strategic action against a city as dawn breaks—a vivid picture of readiness for confrontation. However, several other biblical passages appear to pivot us towards a path of peace and compassion, creating a tension that invites reflection.
Consider Matthew 5:44, where we are counseled to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. This stands in stark contrast to the preparation for conflict seen in Judges 9:33. It brings to mind the difference between arming oneself for battle and opening one’s arms for an embrace—two fundamentally opposing actions.
Exodus 20:13 provides a clear, succinct command: "Thou shalt not kill." This directive seems antithetical to the preparation for battle implied in Judges 9:33. The distinction here is like night and day; where one advocates preserving life, the other suggests taking it.
Romans 12:19 warns against seeking vengeance, advising to let God handle justice. This approach could be likened to a parent instructing a child to let adults settle their disputes, suggesting that revenge is not our prerogative.
Further emphasizing compassion, Proverbs 25:21-22 recommends feeding your enemy instead of fighting him. This counsel is reminiscent of the proverb, "Kill them with kindness," which sounds paradoxical but aims to neutralize hostility with generosity.
Similarly, Psalm 34:14 and Luke 6:27-28 also champion peace over conflict. They echo the metaphor of turning swords into plowshares—a prophetic vision where instruments of war become tools for cultivation and growth.
These contrasting messages urge us to ponder: how do we reconcile the call to action with the call to love and forgive? The answer may lie in introspection and seeking wisdom to harmonize justice with compassion.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Judges 9:33 | And it shall be, [that] in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and set upon the city: and, behold, [when] he and the people that [is] with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion. [as thou shalt...: Heb. as thine hand shall find] |
| 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 20:13 | Thou shalt not kill. |
| 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. | Proverbs 25:21-22 | If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: |
| 6. | Psalm 34:14 | Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. |
| 7. | Luke 6:27-28 | But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, |