Contradictions and Paradoxes in Esther 9:15

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Esther 9:15 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Esther 9:15. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Esther, this story shows that the Jews in the city of Shushan were protecting themselves from danger when they stopped a lot of bad men. They only stopped the men who wanted to harm them and did not take any of their things.

Esther 9:15: For the Jews that [were] in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Esther 9:15 depicts vengeance and retribution, while Matthew 5:44 instructs 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 12:19

In Esther 9:15, the Jews take vengeance into their own hands, whereas Romans 12:19 advises against it, stating that vengeance belongs 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 Proverbs 24:17

Esther 9:15 illustrates the joy of overcoming enemies, but Proverbs 24:17 warns not to rejoice when your enemy falls.

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

Contradiction with Exodus 20:13

Esther 9:15 involves the act of killing, contrasting with Exodus 20:13, which commands, "Thou shalt not kill."

Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.

Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4

Esther 9:15 describes conflict and battle, whereas Isaiah 2:4 speaks of turning swords into plowshares and not learning war anymore.

Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]

Paradox #1

Some people see a contradiction in the idea of mercy and forgiveness in the Bible versus the actions described in Esther 9:15, where violence is used against enemies. The issue is whether such actions align with other teachings about peace and reconciliation. However, interpretations vary, and some see it in a historical context or as a justified defense.

Paradox #2

Esther 9:15 could be seen as inconsistent with the broader biblical theme of mercy and forgiveness. In this verse, there is an emphasis on the Jewish people defending themselves and killing their enemies, which might be seen as conflicting with teachings in other parts of the Bible that promote peace, love, and forgiveness. However, it is important to consider the historical and cultural context of the story.

Paradox #3

One possible inconsistency in Esther 9:15 relates to the number of people killed and the perceived justification for such actions. The verse describes the Jews defending themselves by killing a large number of their enemies. Some readers find it difficult to reconcile this large-scale killing with moral or ethical principles, questioning whether the extent of the violence was necessary or justified. This can lead to debates about historical accuracy and moral teachings within the text.

Paradox #4

The potential contradiction or conflict in this verse might arise from the idea of violence and revenge, as the verse describes the killing of enemies. On one hand, some might see this as necessary for survival or justice. On the other hand, it can be seen as conflicting with teachings of forgiveness and mercy found elsewhere in religious texts. This tension between justice and mercy could be a point of moral inconsistency.

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