Contradictions and Paradoxes in Judges 21:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Judges 21:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Judges 21:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Judges, this part of the story shows people trying to solve a problem about finding wives for men in a group because the women in their group were gone. They were trying to figure out how to help the men start families again.

Judges 21:16: Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:3

This verse instructs against marrying those from certain other nations, contradicting the notion in Judges 21:16 of finding wives for the Benjamites from outside their tribe.

Deuteronomy 7:3: Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

This verse advises to love your enemies and do good to them, which contradicts the actions leading up to seeking wives via conflict in Judges 21:16.

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 2 Corinthians 6:14

This verse warns against being yoked with unbelievers, which could be seen as contradictory if the marriages were with those who do not share the same beliefs.

2 Corinthians 6:14: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Contradiction with Exodus 20:13

The commandment against killing contrasts with the violence and killing that preceded the events described in Judges 21:16.

Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.

Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5-6

Advises trusting in the Lord and not relying solely on one's understanding; contrasting with the seemingly human-devised solution in Judges 21:16.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Contradiction with Romans 12:17

This verse advocates not repaying evil for evil, differing from the actions that led to ensuring wives for Benjamin in Judges 21:16.

Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:11

Calls for seeking peace and pursuing it, which seems opposed to the turmoil that characterizes the preceding events of Judges 21.

1 Peter 3:11: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

Paradox #1

The contradiction or conflict in Judges 21:16 arises from the context of the Israelites seeking to find wives for the Benjamites after a violent conflict. This situation presents a moral issue because it involves solutions that may conflict with ethical principles, like the rights and consent of the women involved, highlighting a tension between cultural practices of the time and modern views on individual rights and autonomy.

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