Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse, which instructs to love your enemies, contradicts the notion of God destroying enemies as described in Deuteronomy 7:23.
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 12:20
Here, Paul advises feeding and caring for enemies, which contrasts with the theme of conquest and destruction in Deuteronomy 7:23.
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.
Contradiction with Exodus 23:4-5
These verses advocate returning a lost animal to an enemy, promoting compassion contrary to the aggressive stance in Deuteronomy 7:23.
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 25:21-22
Encourages showing kindness to enemies, conflicting with the directive of destruction and conquest in Deuteronomy 7:23.
Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 7:23 can present a theological conflict for some because it describes God as actively intervening in military conquest, which can be seen as inconsistent with the image of a loving and peaceful God presented in other parts of the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. This raises questions about the nature of God concerning violence and war.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 7:23 describes God's actions against the enemies of the Israelites. A contradiction or conflict might arise from the idea of divine favoritism and violence. On one hand, it shows God protecting and helping the Israelites, but on the other hand, it involves harming others, which might seem inconsistent with messages of love and forgiveness found elsewhere in religious teachings.