Contradiction with Psalm 37:7
Judges 20:26 describes the Israelites fasting and seeking divine guidance through weeping and sacrifices. In contrast, Psalm 37:7 advises believers to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him, suggesting a different approach to seeking God's intervention.
Psalm 37:7: Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. [Rest in: Heb. Be silent to]
Contradiction with Matthew 6:16-18
Judges 20:26 portrays the Israelites fasting and seeking divine intervention collectively, while Matthew 6:16-18 instructs believers to fast in secret without seeking attention, emphasizing a personal and private approach to fasting.
Matthew 6:16-18: Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Contradiction with James 1:6
Judges 20:26 involves the Israelites engaging in weeping and sacrifice to seek divine guidance, suggesting a physical expression of faith. James 1:6, however, emphasizes asking in faith without doubt, indicating that external expressions might not be as crucial as unwavering internal faith.
James 1:6: But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Contradiction with Mark 9:29
While Judges 20:26 illustrates the Israelites fasting during a collective plea for guidance in a military conflict, Mark 9:29 implies that certain spiritual challenges require prayer and fasting as fundamental components, suggesting the necessity of integrating both actions rather than relying on one.
Mark 9:29: And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Contradiction with Isaiah 58:5-7
Judges 20:26 shows the Israelites fasting during their plea for intervention, but Isaiah 58:5-7 challenges superficial fasting practices and emphasizes that true fasting should involve justice, kindness, and care for the needy, thereby presenting a more comprehensive understanding of fasting's purpose.
Isaiah 58:5-7: Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? [is it] to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes [under him]? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? [a day...: or, to afflict his soul for a day?]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict could be that, while the verse describes a moment of collective penitence and seeking divine guidance, it can be seen as inconsistent with the preceding violence and conflict in the broader story. This showcases a tension between acts of aggression and the subsequent turn to spiritual rituals for support or forgiveness.