Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
"Thou shalt not kill," which contradicts the violence depicted in Judges 20:48.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
"Love your enemies," which contrasts with the destruction in Judges 20:48.
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 Luke 6:27
"Do good to them which hate you," conflicting with the act of killing in Judges 20:48.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with Romans 12:17
"Recompense to no man evil for evil," opposing the retaliatory actions in Judges 20:48.
Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17
"Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth," against the apparent triumph in Judges 20:48.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with 1 John 4:20
"He that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, cannot love God," challenging the fraternal violence in Judges 20:48.
1 John 4:20: If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Judges 20:48 could be the inconsistency between the violent actions described and the teachings of love and compassion found elsewhere in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. This can raise questions about the coherence of God's character across different parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
Judges 20:48 describes the Israelites destroying the city and people of Benjamin. The potential contradiction could be with teachings about love, forgiveness, and mercy in the Bible. For instance, Jesus' teachings in the New Testament emphasize loving enemies and showing mercy, which might seem inconsistent with the violent actions described in this Old Testament verse.
Paradox #3
The conflict could be that the described actions might contradict modern ethical and humanitarian principles, which value human rights and discourage violence and destruction against communities.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this context might arise from the act of violence and destruction being sanctioned or carried out under divine directive, which could conflict with principles of mercy, forgiveness, and the sanctity of life found elsewhere in religious teachings.
Paradox #5
The contradiction in Judges 20:48 relates to the count of the Benjamite survivors in the context of other verses in the same chapter. Earlier verses suggest there were very few survivors, yet the numbers may not seem consistent when considering the subsequent recovery of the tribe. This might cause confusion about how the tribe was able to continue with seemingly so few people left.