Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5
Advises trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly and not leaning on one's own understanding, which may contradict the notion of collective human wisdom in choosing leaders.
Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Contradiction with Romans 13:1
States that all authority comes from God and those in power are placed by God, contrasting with the idea of selecting leaders from among the people themselves.
Romans 13:1: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [ordained: or, ordered]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 8:7
Shows God's displeasure with Israel asking for a king, indicating a preference for divine selection rather than human choice of leaders.
1 Samuel 8:7: And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:5
Warns against relying on human beings for governance, seeming to contradict the instruction to choose leaders from among your peers.
Jeremiah 17:5: Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
Paradox #1
The contradiction related to Deuteronomy 1:13 could be about the differing descriptions of how leaders were chosen in the community. In some parts of the Bible, it suggests that leaders were selected by Moses on God's command, while in this verse, it implies the people had a role in choosing their leaders. This creates a conflict about the process of selecting leaders.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 1:13 might present a contradiction or conflict when considering its emphasis on selecting wise, understanding, and respected individuals as leaders. This requirement could conflict with later teachings about humility and the idea that God often chooses the humble or those considered least by human standards. This raises questions about whether leadership should be based on social status and human wisdom or on divine choice and humility.