Judges 13:9 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the author of the book of Judges, God listened to Manoah's prayer and sent an angel to his wife while she was in the field alone. God was showing that He cared and was ready to help, even when Manoah wasn't there.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 3:1

Judges 13:9 describes a time when the Lord actively listened and responded to Manoah's plea, while 1 Samuel 3:1 indicates a period when the word of the Lord was rare, and visions were not widespread, suggesting a lack of divine communication.

1 Samuel 3:1: And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; [there was] no open vision.

Contradiction with Isaiah 59:2

Judges 13:9 shows God responding to Manoah's prayer, whereas Isaiah 59:2 suggests that people's iniquities can separate them from God, preventing Him from hearing their prayers.

Isaiah 59:2: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear. [have hid: or, have made him hide]

Contradiction with Proverbs 28:9

In Judges 13:9, God hears and answers Manoah's request, contradicting Proverbs 28:9, which states that if someone turns away from hearing the law, their prayer is an abomination.

Proverbs 28:9: He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.

Contradiction with Lamentations 3:8

Judges 13:9 highlights that God heeds Manoah's appeal, while Lamentations 3:8 describes an instance where even when calling out to God, He does not listen or respond.

Lamentations 3:8: Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 20:3

The verse in Judges 13:9 depicts God answering Manoah, which contrasts with Ezekiel 20:3, where God declares He will not be inquired of by Israel.

Ezekiel 20:3: Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to enquire of me? [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.

Contradiction with James 4:3

Judges 13:9 shows God answering Manoah, yet James 4:3 suggests that prayers can be unanswered when asked with wrong motives, indicating a potential contradiction depending on the context of the prayer's intent.