Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:3
This verse instructs Israelites not to intermarry with pagan nations, while Judges 21:18 involves finding wives for the Benjaminites from within the Israelite tribes themselves, showing a different concern regarding marriage prohibitions.
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 5:43-44
Judges 21:18 involves the exclusion of providing wives to a tribe initially condemned, whereas Matthew promotes loving enemies and doing good to those who are considered adversaries.
Matthew 5:43-44: Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
Contradiction with Galatians 3:28
Judges 21:18 is concerned with tribal and gender distinctions in marriage arrangements, while Galatians emphasizes unity and equality in Christ beyond such distinctions.
Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:39
Judges 21:18 is part of a narrative seeking wives for Benjaminites outside their tribe due to a vow, whereas 1 Corinthians advises widows to remarry "only in the Lord," focusing on shared faith rather than tribal affiliation.
1 Corinthians 7:39: The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
Contradiction with Acts 10:34-35
Peter's realization that God shows no partiality contrasts with the tribal partiality and exclusion exhibited in Judges 21:18.
Acts 10:34-35: Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Paradox #1
The main theological conflict in Judges 21:18 is related to the earlier commandments given to the Israelites about not marrying outside their tribes or breaking oaths. The context of the verse shows a scenario where the Israelites are forced to find wives for the tribe of Benjamin, which leads them to actions that seem to contradict previous commands and vows. This raises questions about the balance between following divine commands and addressing complex social situations.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in that verse can be seen as the conflict between upholding a vow made to God and the ethical implications of the actions taken to fulfill that vow, particularly when it involves harm or injustice to others.