Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:2
This verse commands Israelites to make no covenants with certain nations, similar to Exodus 23:32, and does not directly contradict it.
Deuteronomy 7:2: And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:
Contradiction with 1 Kings 5:12
This verse mentions Solomon making a league with Hiram, king of Tyre, which appears to go against the directive of not making covenants with other nations.
1 Kings 5:12: And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.
Contradiction with Joshua 9:15
This verse describes Joshua making a peace treaty with the Gibeonites, contrary to the instruction in Exodus 23:32 not to make covenants.
Joshua 9:15: And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 5:11
This verse details how Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers, cedar trees, carpenters, and masons to David, and they built David a house, suggesting a friendly covenant-like arrangement.
2 Samuel 5:11: And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house. [masons: Heb. hewers of the stone of the wall]
Contradiction with Ezra 4:3
Although not a direct contradiction, this verse shows Jewish leaders rejecting alliances with adversaries, which aligns with Exodus 23:32 but reflects varied approaches in other contexts where agreements were made.
Ezra 4:3: But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.
Paradox #1
Exodus 23:32 advises against making treaties with certain groups. A possible theological conflict arises when comparing this with other parts of the Bible that promote peace and reconciliation, like loving your neighbor or turning the other cheek. This could seem inconsistent because one part discourages agreements with certain people, while other parts encourage peace and understanding with everyone.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction could arise when considering the instruction to not make treaties with certain nations in the context of other biblical teachings about love, forgiveness, and peace, such as those found in the New Testament where there is a focus on loving one's enemies and living peacefully with all. This might seem inconsistent with the directive to avoid making agreements with specific groups.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict could be with the idea of a just and loving God, as making no covenants with certain groups could be seen as promoting exclusion or animosity. This can be inconsistent with other biblical teachings on love and forgiveness.
Paradox #4
The moral conflict in this verse could be that it advises against making agreements with certain groups, which might be seen as conflicting with principles of inclusivity, understanding, and peaceful coexistence. This might seem inconsistent with other teachings about love and kindness to all.