Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
This verse states that the soul who sins is the one who will die, emphasizing individual responsibility rather than punishing a body after death.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Romans 6:23
This verse indicates that the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life, contrasting the idea of leaving a body hanging as a curse.
Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17
This verse instructs not to gloat when your enemy falls, which contradicts the act of publicly displaying a body as a curse.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with Leviticus 19:18
This verse advises to love your neighbor as yourself, which opposes the practice of leaving someone hanged as a display of shame or punishment.
Leviticus 19:18: Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse advocates loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you, which is in contrast to the idea of hanging a body to shame.
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 James 2:13
This verse says that mercy triumphs over judgment, contradicting the harshness of leaving a body displayed as a curse.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Contradiction with Micah 6:8
This verse talks about acting justly and loving mercy, which conflicts with the practice of hanging a body for extended shame.
Micah 6:8: He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? [walk...: Heb. humble thyself to walk]
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 21:22 deals with the execution and display of criminals, which may seem in conflict with the New Testament teachings of forgiveness and redemption through Jesus. While the Old Testament includes laws that permit capital punishment, the New Testament often emphasizes mercy, turning the other cheek, and forgiveness, potentially creating a contrast in how justice and punishment are viewed across both testaments.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 21:22 talks about executing criminals, which can be seen as inconsistent with the Bible's messages about forgiveness and mercy found in other parts. It also raises questions about justice and human rights from a modern perspective.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 21:22 has been interpreted by some as contradictory to later teachings in Christianity about forgiveness and treating others with compassion. While the verse describes a prescribed punishment, later teachings, especially in the New Testament, emphasize forgiveness and turning the other cheek, which may seem inconsistent with the earlier directive for strict justice or retribution.