Contradictions and Paradoxes in Deuteronomy 13:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Deuteronomy 13:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Deuteronomy 13:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Deuteronomy, this verse means that if a city does bad things and stops following God, everything in it should be destroyed and burned so it can't be rebuilt. This shows how serious it is to stay loyal to God.

Deuteronomy 13:16: And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

This verse teaches to love your enemies, contrasting with the directive in Deuteronomy 13:16 to destroy a city and its inhabitants.

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;

Contradiction with Romans 12:19

Instructs believers to leave vengeance to God, opposing the command for destruction in Deuteronomy 13:16.

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.

Contradiction with Luke 6:27-28

Encourages doing good to those who hate you, which contradicts the directive for total destruction in Deuteronomy 13:16.

Luke 6:27-28: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Contradiction with Ezekiel 33:11

Declares that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, conflicting with the mandate for massacre in Deuteronomy 13:16.

Ezekiel 33:11: Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21-22

Advises feeding your enemy if he is hungry, which contrasts with destroying everything in Deuteronomy 13:16.

Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Paradox #1

The contradiction or conflict with this verse could be the instruction to destroy and burn a city and its inhabitants, which may seem to conflict with principles of mercy and forgiveness found in other parts of the Bible. This could raise questions about the consistency of God's character and commands regarding justice and compassion.

Paradox #2

Deuteronomy 13:16 discusses destroying an entire city if its inhabitants have led people away from worshiping God. Some might see a contradiction with the teachings of mercy and forgiveness found in other parts of the Bible, such as in the New Testament, where Jesus emphasizes love and forgiveness even for one's enemies. This could be viewed as inconsistent with the more severe punishment described in this verse.

Paradox #3

Deuteronomy 13:16 discusses the destruction of an entire town and its inhabitants if they have turned to idolatry, which could be seen as inconsistent with other biblical teachings about mercy and love, such as those emphasized by Jesus in the New Testament. This reflects a conflict between justice and mercy in different parts of the Bible.

Paradox #4

The contradiction or conflict in this verse could be the command to destroy an entire city because it worshiped other gods, including killing people and animals. This can seem inconsistent with the idea of mercy and valuing human life, which are also important themes in other parts of religious teaching.

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