Contradictions and Paradoxes in Esther 8:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Esther 8:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Esther 8:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the Book of Esther, the Jewish people were very happy and had a big celebration because the king's order helped them. Many other people also wanted to become like the Jews because they were amazed and a bit afraid of how strong and protected the Jews were.

Esther 8:17: And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Esther 8:17 describes Jews having joy and gladness, while Matthew 5:44 advocates loving enemies and blessing those who curse, implying a peaceful demeanor contrary to the joy from others' fear.

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 Proverbs 24:17

Esther 8:17 speaks of many converting out of fear, contrasting with the guidance in Proverbs 24:17 which advises against rejoicing when an enemy falls.

Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Contradiction with Romans 12:19

Esther 8:17 indirectly leads to vengeance as the Jews' enemies fear them, whereas Romans 12:19 urges believers to leave vengeance to God.

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.

Contradiction with 1 John 4:18

Esther 8:17 portrays fear leading to conversion, whereas 1 John 4:18 states that perfect love casts out fear.

1 John 4:18: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Paradox #1

The verse mentions people converting to Judaism due to fear, which might seem inconsistent with the idea that religious conversion should be a genuine and voluntary personal decision based on faith rather than fear.

Paradox #2

One contradiction could be the abrupt and widespread conversion to Judaism mentioned in the context of Esther's story, which seems historically unusual. Rapid mass conversions to Judaism without significant recorded evidence outside the biblical text might not align with historical accounts of religious change during that period.

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