Contradictions and Paradoxes in Judges 11:33

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Judges 11:33 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Judges 11:33. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the Book of Judges, God helped the Israelites defeat a group called the Ammonites. The Israelites won the battle and the Ammonites could not fight them anymore.

Judges 11:33: And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, [even] twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel. [the plain: or, Abel]

Contradiction with Exodus 23:31

This verse speaks of God establishing borders and delivering enemies, but emphasizes driving them out rather than utterly destroying them as in Judges 11:33.

Exodus 23:31: And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Jesus teaches to love enemies and pray for persecutors, which contrasts with the destruction described in Judges 11:33.

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 12:17-19

Paul advises against repaying evil for evil and leaving vengeance to God, contradicting the complete destruction in Judges 11:33.

Romans 12:17-19: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 33:11

God expresses no pleasure in the death of the wicked, advocating repentance, which contrasts with the slaughter described in Judges 11:33.

Ezekiel 33:11: Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Contradiction with James 2:13

Mercy triumphs over judgment, emphasizing mercy instead of the judgment seen in Judges 11:33.

James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]

Paradox #1

The potential doctrinal conflict with Judges 11:33 could relate to the morality of warfare and the idea of divine endorsement of violence. It raises questions about reconciling the portrayal of God as supporting violence and destruction with teachings of peace and love found elsewhere in the Bible. Understanding how these concepts fit together can be challenging for some readers.

Paradox #2

One potential contradiction regarding Judges 11:33 could be the scale of the victory and the number of cities captured. Archaeological evidence and historical records from surrounding regions may not align with the description of such a large-scale defeat of the Ammonites, leading to questions about the historical accuracy of the event as described in this verse.

Paradox #3

The contradiction in that verse arises from the celebration of violence and large-scale killing in what is considered a holy text. This may conflict with broader moral teachings about valuing life and promoting peace.

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