Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Contradicts Deuteronomy 20:16 as it advocates for loving enemies and not destroying them.
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 Luke 6:27
Encourages doing good to enemies, contrary to the command to utterly destroy them.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Advises against taking vengeance, conflicting with the directive to annihilate.
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 Exodus 20:13
Commands "Thou shalt not kill," opposing the instruction to kill all.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21
Suggests feeding enemies, opposing total destruction.
Proverbs 25:21: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Contradiction with Matthew 7:12
The Golden Rule contradicts the order to kill without mercy.
Matthew 7:12: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Contradiction with James 2:13
Emphasizes mercy over judgment, conflicting with the command to destroy.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 20:16 could be seen as conflicting with the broader biblical themes of love, mercy, and forgiveness. This verse commands actions that are harsh and may seem inconsistent with the teachings of compassion and love for one's neighbor found elsewhere in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament where the emphasis is on loving your enemies and turning the other cheek. This can create a tension for readers trying to reconcile these different messages.
Paradox #2
This verse might seem to contradict the biblical teachings of love and compassion. Some people might find it inconsistent with messages elsewhere in the Bible that emphasize kindness, forgiveness, and loving your neighbor. It could raise questions about why it promotes a certain harsh action when other parts of the Bible advise against violence and support peace.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict with this verse may arise from the fact that it describes directives for warfare that involve complete destruction, which seems to conflict with other parts of biblical teachings that promote peace, mercy, and justice. These differing themes can appear inconsistent when trying to understand the moral and ethical guidelines presented throughout the Bible.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or conflict with this verse could be the concept of violence and complete destruction being at odds with contemporary ethical standards and human rights. Science tends to focus on understanding and improving human life, promoting peace, and respecting individual rights, whereas this verse involves instructions for total annihilation in a historical context, which conflicts with those modern scientific and ethical principles.
Paradox #5
The moral conflict in this verse arises from the instruction to completely destroy certain groups of people, which contradicts moral teachings about compassion, mercy, and the value of human life found elsewhere in religious and ethical texts. This creates tension between the command for total destruction and more universal principles of loving one's neighbor and the sanctity of life.