Contradiction with Exodus 32:27
This verse describes a command for the Levites to slay others, which contradicts the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" in Deuteronomy 5:17.
Exodus 32:27: And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, [and] go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.
Contradiction with Joshua 6:21
In this verse, the Israelites are instructed to destroy all living things in Jericho, which goes against the prohibition of killing in Deuteronomy 5:17.
Joshua 6:21: And they utterly destroyed all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:3
God commands Saul to attack the Amalekites and kill every man, woman, child, and infant, which contradicts the commandment "Thou shalt not kill."
1 Samuel 15:3: Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
Contradiction with Numbers 31:17
Moses commands the Israelites to kill all male children and non-virgin women, opposing the teaching of Deuteronomy 5:17 against killing.
Numbers 31:17: Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him. [him: Heb. a male]
Contradiction with 1 Kings 2:25
Solomon orders the execution of Adonijah, which contradicts the commandment "Thou shalt not kill."
1 Kings 2:25: And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 18:40
Elijah commands the execution of the prophets of Baal, which contrasts with the prohibition in Deuteronomy 5:17.
1 Kings 18:40: And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there. [Take: or, Apprehend]
Contradiction with Judges 16:30
Samson’s destruction of the Philistines, along with himself, contradicts the commandment not to kill.
Judges 16:30: And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with [all his] might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that [were] therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than [they] which he slew in his life. [me: Heb. my soul]
Contradiction with Numbers 21:3
The Lord grants victory to Israel over the Canaanites, resulting in their destruction, which contradicts Deuteronomy 5:17.
Numbers 21:3: And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah. [Hormah: that is, Utter destruction]
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction because the same religious texts that contain the commandment sometimes also describe situations where killing is commanded or condoned, such as in wars or as punishment for certain crimes. This can create a conflict between the idea of not killing and actions where taking a life is depicted as permissible or necessary.