Contradiction with Proverbs 12:10
Proverbs 12:10 promotes showing mercy to animals as it says a righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, which contradicts Samson's actions in Judges 15:4 of using foxes destructively.
Proverbs 12:10: A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel. [tender...: or, bowels]
Contradiction with Genesis 1:28
Genesis 1:28 describes man's dominion over animals as one of stewardship, which conflicts with the destructive use of foxes in Judges 15:4.
Genesis 1:28: And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. [moveth: Heb. creepeth]
Contradiction with Proverbs 6:16-19
This passage lists sowing discord and causing destruction as things God hates which contradicts Samson's deliberate destructive act in Judges 15:4.
Proverbs 6:16-19: These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: [unto...: Heb. of his soul]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Teaches to love your enemies and do good to them which contrasts with Samson's act of vengeance in Judges 15:4.
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 Exodus 23:4-5
Instructs returning a lost animal to its owner and helping it which contradicts driving animals to destruction as Samson does in Judges 15:4.
Exodus 23:4-5: If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
Paradox #1
Some people find a contradiction in the story involving the actions described, as it seems unlikely or impractical in real life. Critics argue that what is described would be difficult to accomplish and may not realistically lead to the results mentioned, suggesting it could be an exaggerated or symbolic account rather than a literal event.
Paradox #2
The scientific issue with Judges 15:4 is the practicality of catching 300 foxes, tying them together in pairs by their tails, and attaching torches to them without being bitten or the animals escaping, and then having them run through fields without quickly putting out the fire or burning themselves severely. This conflicts with our understanding of animal behavior and physics.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in using animals (foxes) for destructive purposes, which raises concerns about animal cruelty and the ethics of causing harm to living creatures. This action can conflict with the idea of being a good steward of all living things.