Conflict or Compassion?
In this article, you will learn how Numbers 33:55 contradicts Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:17-19, Ephesians 6:12, Luke 6:27-28, James 1:20, Proverbs 25:21-22 and 1 Peter 3:9. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The biblical narratives reflect an array of perspectives on how to treat adversaries, often leading to intriguing contradictions. Numbers 33:55, for example, warns the Israelites that if they don’t drive out the inhabitants of their land, these people will become significant problems, like "sharp thorns" in their sides. This instruction implies a need for decisive action against potential threats. However, various New Testament teachings challenge this viewpoint with a call for love and understanding, creating a striking tension between Old Testament and New Testament philosophies.
Matthew 5:44 advises loving one's enemies and blessing those who curse you, a radical departure from the call to eliminate enemies. It's like choosing to plant a garden where thorns grow—hoping that care and compassion might transform a hostile environment.
Romans 12:17-19 supports this notion by encouraging followers not to repay evil with evil but to leave vengeance to God. It’s a bit like being told not to retaliate against a neighbor’s loud music with noise of your own but instead to find peace in patience.
Ephesians 6:12 shifts the battle from physical to spiritual, suggesting that the true struggle is internal, against invisible forces rather than external foes.
Similarly, Luke 6:27-28 encourages proactive love and prayer for one's enemies, painting a picture of hope and redemption rather than conflict.
James 1:20 reinforces that human anger doesn't produce righteousness, hinting at the futility of wrath, just like pouring gasoline on a fire expecting it to calm down.
Proverbs 25:21-22, meanwhile, offers a counterintuitive approach: feed your enemy, transforming hostility into reconciliation, emphasizing positive actions that overcome evil with good.
1 Peter 3:9 mirrors this by discouraging retaliation and promoting blessing, inviting believers to rise above immediate instincts for revenge.
These diverse verses present an internal dialogue within the Bible, urging contemplation on whether to fight adversaries or transform them through love.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Numbers 33:55 | But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them [shall be] pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell. |
| 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. | Romans 12:17-19 | Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. |
| 4. | Ephesians 6:12 | For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. [flesh...: Gr. blood and flesh] [spiritual...: or, wicked spirits] [high: or, heavenly] |
| 5. | Luke 6:27-28 | But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, |
| 6. | James 1:20 | For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. |
| 7. | Proverbs 25:21-22 | If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: |
| 8. | 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. |