Contradiction with Proverbs 22:6
This verse advises to train up a child in the way they should go, while Judges 3:2 emphasizes learning warfare, suggesting a focus on spiritual development rather than physical combat.
Proverbs 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. [Train...: or, Catechise] [in...: Heb. in his way]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:9
This verse blesses peacemakers, which contrasts with Judges 3:2 where learning war is seen as beneficial.
Matthew 5:9: Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
This verse speaks of beating swords into plowshares and not learning war anymore, directly opposing the notion in Judges 3:2 that war should be taught.
Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Contradiction with Romans 12:18
This verse encourages living peaceably with all men, while Judges 3:2 suggests preparing for war.
Romans 12:18: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Contradiction with Micah 4:3
This verse predicts a future where nations will not learn war anymore, contrasting with the intention in Judges 3:2 of deliberately teaching war.
Micah 4:3: And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Paradox #1
The verse suggests the purpose of leaving certain nations in the land was to teach warfare to the Israelites who hadn't experienced it. This seems inconsistent because earlier passages indicate that the Israelites were instructed to remove these nations to avoid adopting their practices. The idea of leaving them for war training conflicts with these earlier commands.
Paradox #2
The moral conflict in the verse arises from the idea of God allowing or using warfare as a means for people to learn how to fight. This might seem inconsistent with teachings that promote peace and non-violence. It raises questions about why learning to wage war would be part of a divine plan, potentially conflicting with later messages of peace and love.