Contradiction with Deuteronomy 2:24
This verse grants Israelites the land of the Amorites, including Arnon, showing a predetermined divine decision, whereas Judges 11:23 suggests victory as a result of conflict.
Deuteronomy 2:24: Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess [it], and contend with him in battle. [begin...: Heb. begin, possess]
Contradiction with Joshua 24:8
States God delivered the Amorites into Israel's hands before entering the battle, contrasting with Judges 11:23 which focuses on post-conflict possession.
Joshua 24:8: And I brought you into the land of the Amorites, which dwelt on the other side Jordan; and they fought with you: and I gave them into your hand, that ye might possess their land; and I destroyed them from before you.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Judges 11:23 could relate to the idea of God endorsing or being involved in war and the taking of land by force. Some might find this inconsistent with other biblical messages about peace, love, and justice. It raises questions about how to reconcile God's support of conflict in this context with teachings that emphasize mercy and forgiveness.
Paradox #2
Some people might see a contradiction with the idea of God's justice. In Judges 11:23, God is depicted as giving land to Israel after defeating the Ammonites. Critics might argue that this conflicts with the concept of a just and loving God because it involves taking land from one group of people to give to another. This action can seem inconsistent with the idea of fairness or non-violence often associated with religious teachings.
Paradox #3
Judges 11:23 may have inconsistencies related to historical territorial claims and relationships. It refers to the land occupation by the Israelites, which could conflict with other historical accounts regarding who originally inhabited or controlled those territories. Different groups may have different records of land possession, leading to potential contradictions between biblical accounts and other historical or archaeological evidence.
Paradox #4
Judges 11:23 might present a contradiction or inconsistency if one considers the idea of divine sanctioning of warfare or land seizure. In this context, claiming land as divinely granted can conflict with modern views on property rights and ethical warfare, where such acts are not typically justified by divine reasoning. This raises questions about the morality of actions attributed to divine will versus human rights.