Judges 12:8 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the author of the Book of Judges, Ibzan was a leader from Bethlehem who helped guide the people of Israel. He was a judge, which means he helped solve problems and kept things peaceful.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:2

Judges 12:8 references the leadership of a single judge, whereas Ecclesiastes 3:2 speaks of broader, predetermined times for events, suggesting no individual influence.

Ecclesiastes 3:2: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up [that which is] planted; [to be...: Heb. to bear]

Contradiction with Proverbs 16:9

Judges 12:8 mentions a person's rise to leadership, while Proverbs 16:9 emphasizes that the LORD directs our steps, implying that human plans may not lead to appointed roles.

Proverbs 16:9: A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:23

Judges 12:8 describes human leadership, but Jeremiah 10:23 states that it's not within man to direct his steps, contrasting with individual autonomy in leadership choices.

Jeremiah 10:23: O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:27

The rise of a judge seen as wise in Judges 12:8 contradicts with 1 Corinthians 1:27, where God chooses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

1 Corinthians 1:27: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Contradiction with Romans 9:16

The leadership in Judges 12:8 might imply human decision, while Romans 9:16 emphasizes that it's not human will or effort, but God's mercy that prevails.

Romans 9:16: So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Contradiction with Proverbs 21:1

Judges 12:8 focuses on human authority, yet Proverbs 21:1 indicates that the king’s heart is directed by the LORD, challenging the notion of independent leadership.

Proverbs 21:1: The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Contradiction with Psalm 75:7

While Judges 12:8 highlights leadership under a judge, Psalm 75:7 asserts that God is the ultimate judge, putting down one and setting up another.

Psalm 75:7: But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.