Contradictions and Paradoxes in Judges 11:9

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Judges 11:9 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Judges 11:9. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the Christian perspective, Jephthah is talking to the leaders of his people. He is asking them if they will let him be their leader if he helps them win a battle with God's help.

Judges 11:9: And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If ye bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head?

Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding, which contradicts making a vow based on personal negotiations as Jephthah did.

Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:37

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil, which contrasts with Jephthah's conditional vow to the Lord.

Matthew 5:37: But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay, which highlights the serious consequences of making vows like Jephthah does.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5: When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

Contradiction with James 4:13-15

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that, contrasting Jephthah's certainty in his own plans without acknowledging dependence on God's will.

James 4:13-15: Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

Contradiction with Matthew 6:7

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking, which can be seen as a contrast to Jephthah’s reliance on ritual vow making.

Matthew 6:7: But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Paradox #1

Judges 11:9 might seem inconsistent with the general biblical theme of selflessness and humility. In this verse, Jephthah makes a deal to lead a battle in exchange for a position of leadership. This could appear to contrast with teachings that emphasize relying on God rather than personal gain or ambition, as well as placing the common good above personal status or power.

Paradox #2

The contradiction or conflict in this verse could be seen in the negotiation aspect, where a person's worth or potential leadership role is tied to fulfilling a task, implying a conditional value placed on human dignity and leadership, which might conflict with the inherent worth that should be attributed regardless of conditions.

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