Contradiction with Exodus 14:14
This verse emphasizes that the Lord shall fight for the Israelites, and they need only to be still, contrasting with Deuteronomy 9:3 which describes God as a consuming fire destroying the enemies directly.
Exodus 14:14: The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Contradiction with Judges 7:2
This verse suggests that God wanted to reduce the number of Israelite soldiers so they would not claim victory by their own means, whereas Deuteronomy 9:3 emphasizes God's power and action in delivering victory.
Judges 7:2: And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that [are] with thee [are] too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
Contradiction with Isaiah 30:15
Here, salvation is through quietness and trust, not by force, differing from Deuteronomy 9:3’s portrayal of God actively consuming enemies as a "consuming fire."
Isaiah 30:15: For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
Contradiction with Psalm 44:3
This verse mentions the Israelites conquering not by their sword, but by God’s favor, highlighting divine favor over direct destruction.
Psalm 44:3: For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Jesus commands to love enemies and pray for those who persecute, which is contrary to the message of Deuteronomy 9:3 where enemies are destroyed by divine intervention.
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 Matthew 26:52
Jesus stating that those who take up the sword will perish by the sword contrasts with the image of divine warfare in Deuteronomy 9:3.
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 Romans 12:19
Paul advises against seeking vengeance because vengeance belongs to God, which contradicts the active destruction of enemies by God depicted in Deuteronomy 9:3.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 9:3 talks about God going before the Israelites to defeat their enemies. A potential contradiction could be the idea of a loving and merciful God carrying out or endorsing acts of violence against other nations. This might seem inconsistent with other scriptures that emphasize peace and forgiveness.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 9:3 could be seen as a contradiction because it talks about God helping the Israelites to defeat and destroy their enemies quickly. In other parts of the Bible, we see stories of long struggles and battles or instances where God instructs the Israelites to show mercy or coexist with others. This contrast can be seen as an inconsistency in how battles and interactions with other nations are described or commanded.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in the verse might relate to the concept of miracles, specifically the idea of divine intervention defying natural laws. In modern science, events such as supernatural assistance in battles or natural phenomena directly controlled by a deity are not supported, as they lack empirical evidence and cannot be tested or measured by scientific methods. Therefore, the depiction of such events may conflict with scientific understanding.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or conflict could lie in how the verse portrays the idea of destruction or violence in the name of a greater good, which can clash with modern values of peace and non-violence. This raises questions about the morality of using force to achieve an outcome believed to be just or ordained.