Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Deuteronomy 7:16 calls for the destruction of enemies, while Matthew 5:44 teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
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 12:17
Deuteronomy 7:16 implies seeking revenge against enemies, whereas Romans 12:17 advises not to repay evil for evil.
Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21
Proverbs 25:21 instructs to feed your enemy if they are hungry, contrary to Deuteronomy 7:16's directive to destroy them.
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 Luke 6:35
Luke 6:35 commands to love your enemies and do good, directly opposing the call for their destruction in Deuteronomy 7:16.
Luke 6:35: But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.
Contradiction with Exodus 23:4-5
This passage advises returning your enemy's lost ox or donkey, contrasting with the intent to conquer enemies in Deuteronomy 7:16.
Exodus 23:4-5: If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17
Advises not to rejoice when your enemy falls, yet Deuteronomy 7:16 promotes their defeat.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with Romans 12:20
Encourages acts of kindness towards enemies, conflicting with the directive in Deuteronomy 7:16 to consume them.
Romans 12:20: Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 7:16 could raise questions about the command to destroy certain nations, which seems in conflict with teachings about love and mercy elsewhere in the Bible. Critics might see inconsistency between this directive and the message of loving one's neighbor or enemy.
Paradox #2
Some people might see a contradiction between Deuteronomy 7:16 and teachings in the Bible about love, forgiveness, and not judging others, like those found in the New Testament. In Deuteronomy, there are instructions about dealing with enemies that seem harsh, whereas the New Testament often emphasizes love and mercy. This difference can appear as a conflict between justice and compassion.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 7:16 suggests complete destruction of certain groups of people, which can conflict with other biblical messages that promote love, mercy, and forgiveness. This inconsistency raises questions about the nature of justice and morality within the Bible's teachings.
Paradox #4
This verse may seem morally conflicting because it talks about completely destroying certain nations and showing no mercy. This can be seen as inconsistent with other parts of religious teachings that encourage love, forgiveness, and compassion for all people.