Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse teaches to love your enemies and bless those who curse you, which contradicts the notion of perpetual enmity.
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
It advises believers to leave vengeance to God, contradicting the idea of ongoing hostility maintained by humans.
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 16:7
Suggests that when a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him, contradicting perpetual conflict.
Proverbs 16:7: When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Contradiction with Ephesians 4:31-32
Instructs to put away bitterness and be kind, contradicting the idea of consistent animosity.
Ephesians 4:31-32: Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Advises to follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men, contradicting ongoing war.
1 Thessalonians 5:15: See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
Speaks of turning swords into plowshares and not learning war anymore, contradicting the idea of perpetual warfare.
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]
Contradiction with Matthew 26:52
Jesus says that all who take the sword shall perish with the sword, contradicting eternal struggle.
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 Proverbs 25:21-22
Encourages feeding your enemy if he is hungry, contradicting persistent conflict.
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
Exodus 17:16 could present a theological conflict related to the concept of a loving and merciful God versus the idea of God engaging in perpetual warfare. This could contradict the image of God as forgiving and peace-loving. Some might find it inconsistent with the broader biblical theme of reconciliation and peace.
Paradox #2
Exodus 17:16 might be seen as contradictory or inconsistent when compared to other biblical passages that emphasize peace and forgiveness. For example, in the New Testament, teachings about loving your enemies and turning the other cheek could be viewed as conflicting with the notion of ongoing war mentioned in this verse.
Paradox #3
One potential contradiction regarding Exodus 17:16 is related to the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Amalekites. Some historical records and archaeological evidence do not provide clear evidence of the Amalekites as a distinct, significant group during the time described in the Bible. This raises questions about the historical accuracy of the continuous enmity described in the text.
Paradox #4
Exodus 17:16 speaks of God being against a group of people over many generations. The contradiction here could be about the fairness of punishing future generations for actions they did not commit. It raises questions about justice and collective responsibility, as it suggests ongoing conflict based on the actions of ancestors.