A Call for Peace or a Just War? Examining Biblical Contradictions
In this article, you will learn how Numbers 31:42 contradicts Exodus 20:13, Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:19, James 4:1-2 and Isaiah 2:4. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible, a tapestry of divine guidance, presents various teachings that sometimes seem to stand at odds with one another. A particularly intriguing contradiction arises when comparing scriptures that endorse peace with those that recount divinely sanctioned warfare.
Consider Numbers 31:42, where Moses speaks of God's command to divide the spoils of war. This verse highlights warfare as an accepted and even blessed activity when directed by God, suggesting a divine justification for battle and the distribution of its spoils.
In stark contrast, several other scriptures present messages of peace and caution against violence. Exodus 20:13 delivers a direct command: "Thou shalt not kill." This universal edict stands as a foundational rule that seemingly contradicts the narratives of God-endorsed warfare.
Further enhancing this contrast is Matthew 5:44, where Jesus guides His followers to "Love your enemies" and "pray for" those who persecute them. The Sermon on the Mount advocates for compassion and forgiveness, opposing the concept of seeking spoils from vanquished foes.
Romans 12:19 advises against personal vengeance, emphasizing that vengeance belongs to God. This further complicates the allowance of warfare as described in Numbers 31, posing a philosophical dilemma about divine justice and human action.
Looking to James 4:1-2, we find a reflection on the origins of conflict, positing that wars arise from human desires. This introspective analysis challenges the acceptance of warfare by pointing to internal motivations rather than divine instruction.
Finally, Isaiah 2:4 offers a prophetic vision where nations "shall beat their swords into plowshares," envisioning an era of universal peace. This future promise starkly contrasts with the actions seen in Numbers 31.
So, what does one make of these seemingly opposing messages? These scriptural tensions invite us to explore deeper meanings, perhaps challenging us to discern between historical context and timeless moral principles.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Numbers 31:42 | And of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided from the men that warred, |
| 2. | Exodus 20:13 | Thou shalt not kill. |
| 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 12:19 | 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 4:1-2 | From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members? [fightings: or, brawlings] [lusts: or, pleasures] |
| 6. | Isaiah 2:4 | And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes] |