Contradiction with Deuteronomy 20:4
This verse emphasizes that the Lord fights for Israel to save them, which could contradict the defeat of the Israelites described in Judges 20.
Deuteronomy 20:4: For the LORD your God [is] he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
Contradiction with Joshua 1:9
This verse assures that God is with the Israelites wherever they go, which contrasts with their defeat in Judges 20:35.
Joshua 1:9: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Contradiction with Isaiah 54:17
This verse promises that no weapon formed against God's people will prosper, contrasting with their loss in Judges 20:35.
Isaiah 54:17: No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.
Contradiction with Psalm 33:16-17
These verses suggest that victory does not come through human strength and might, implying that Benjamin's victory might appear contrary to God's regular pattern of providing victory for Israel.
Psalm 33:16-17: There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
Contradiction with Romans 8:31
This verse states that if God is for us, who can be against us, creating a contradiction in context with the defeat of the Israelite army as seen in Judges 20:35.
Romans 8:31: What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 17:47
This verse states that the battle is the Lord's, which contradicts the notion of Israel losing to Benjamin without divine intervention.
1 Samuel 17:47: And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.
Contradiction with Judges 2:18
This verse highlights that the Lord was with the judges to save Israel from their enemies, conflicting with the failure in battle against Benjamin.
Judges 2:18: And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.
Paradox #1
Some people point out that earlier in the same chapter, the Israelites lose to the Benjamites twice, which seems to contradict the eventual victory described in Judges 20:35. Others highlight numerical discrepancies, as different verses provide different casualty numbers. These inconsistencies can be confusing when trying to understand the sequence of events and their details.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency in Judges 20:35 could arise from the portrayal of violence and divine involvement in battle. Some may find a conflict between the depiction of God as just and loving versus the support of mass killing in war. This can challenge the view of God’s character as benevolent and raises questions about reconciling acts of violence with teachings of peace elsewhere in the Bible.