Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse contradicts Deuteronomy 20:3 by advocating for love and prayer for enemies, contrasting with the call to not fear ahead of battle against enemies.
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 12:18
This verse emphasizes living peaceably with all men if possible, which contradicts the preparation for warfare described in Deuteronomy 20:3.
Romans 12:18: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
This verse speaks of beating swords into plowshares and nations not learning war anymore, contrasting with the encouragement of soldiers in battle in Deuteronomy 20:3.
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]
Contradiction with Matthew 26:52
Jesus' instruction to put away the sword contradicts the readiness for battle implied in Deuteronomy 20:3.
Matthew 26:52: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
Contradiction with James 4:1
This verse questions the source of wars and fights, suggesting they come from desires, which is a different perspective on conflict compared to Deuteronomy 20:3.
James 4:1: 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]
Contradiction with Micah 4:3
Similar to Isaiah 2:4, this prophecy about peace and the end of war contradicts the war context of Deuteronomy 20:3.
Micah 4:3: And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Contradiction with Proverbs 16:7
This verse suggests that when a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him, contrasted with the battle readiness in Deuteronomy 20:3.
Proverbs 16:7: When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 20:3 encourages soldiers not to be afraid in battle because God is with them. A contradiction could be that this message might seem to justify violence and warfare, potentially clashing with other teachings in the Bible that promote peace and loving one's neighbor. Thus, there's a tension between encouraging courage in battle and the broader biblical call for peace and non-violence.