Contradiction with Genesis 19:8
In Genesis 19:8, Lot offers his daughters to the mob to protect his guests, which contradicts Judges 20:5 where it’s the guests themselves who are harmed.
Genesis 19:8: Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as [is] good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 22:25-27
Deuteronomy 22:25-27 describes a scenario where the man is solely guilty, contrasting the collective punishment in Judges 20:5.
Deuteronomy 22:25-27: But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die: [force: or, take strong hold of]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:39
Matthew 5:39 teaches turning the other cheek, contradicting the retaliatory action that follows in Judges 20.
Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Contradiction with Exodus 23:1
Exodus 23:1 warns against spreading false reports and joining the wicked to be malicious, while Judges 20:5 describes a situation where a false report could incite collective violence.
Exodus 23:1: Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. [raise: or, receive]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency in this context may relate to different accounts of events or numbers involved in the battle described in the Book of Judges. Sometimes, the details in the Bible, such as troop counts, casualty figures, or actions taken, can vary slightly between passages, leading to questions about accuracy or differences in ancient manuscript traditions.