Contradiction with Numbers 1:4
Judges 20:2 refers to the congregation comprising "four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword," suggesting a specific militarized assembly, while Numbers 1:4 emphasizes a census of the entire congregation, implying a broader and more inclusive participation not limited to soldiers.
Numbers 1:4: And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:15
Judges 20:2 describes a unified group from different tribes gathering for a common purpose, while Deuteronomy 1:15 details the appointment of leaders and judges over people by their tribes, suggesting a structured hierarchy and division of roles contrary to a single, collective mobilization.
Deuteronomy 1:15: So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. [made: Heb. gave]
Contradiction with Judges 21:3
Judges 20:2 depicts the congregation's strong military readiness, contrasting with Judges 21:3 where there is lamentation over the loss of a tribe, highlighting a situation of internal conflict and sorrow rather than cohesion and organization for battle.
Judges 21:3: And said, O LORD God of Israel, why is this come to pass in Israel, that there should be to day one tribe lacking in Israel?
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 8:19-20
Judges 20:2 highlights a collective unity and agreement among the tribes, while 1 Samuel 8:19-20 shows the Israelites rejecting unity under God's leadership by demanding a king to govern them like other nations, revealing a preference for separation and division of authority.
1 Samuel 8:19-20: Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
Contradiction with 1 Kings 12:16
Judges 20:2 depicts tribes united for a common cause, whereas 1 Kings 12:16 depicts Israel's division with the northern tribes rejecting Rehoboam's rule, illustrating a lack of unity and a fracture within the nation contrary to the united front described in Judges 20:2.
1 Kings 12:16: So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither [have we] inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.
Contradiction with 2 Kings 14:12
Judges 20:2 describes a massive, organized assembly of Israel's tribes, whereas 2 Kings 14:12 recounts a battle where Judah suffers defeat, highlighting a scenario of disunity and lack of cooperation, contrasting with the coordinated mobilization in Judges 20:2.
2 Kings 14:12: And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents. [put...: Heb. smitten]
Contradiction with Psalm 122:3
Judges 20:2 refers to a large assembly gathered together, while Psalm 122:3 describes Jerusalem built as a city "compact together," highlighting an image of unity and peace, in contrast to the preceding context of preparation for conflict.
Psalm 122:3: Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:
Paradox #1
Judges 20:2 might present a contradiction or inconsistency related to the large number of Israelite soldiers mentioned. Some might question the historical accuracy of such large numbers gathering in one place, given the logistical and population challenges of that ancient time. This could lead to debates on whether the numbers are literal or symbolic.