Contradictions and Paradoxes in Judges 4:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Judges 4:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Judges 4:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Judges, Barak chased the enemy's army and their chariots until they reached a place called Harosheth. All of the enemy soldiers were defeated and not one was left.

Judges 4:16: But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; [and] there was not a man left. [a man: Heb. unto one]

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 20:16-17

Deuteronomy 20:16-17 commands the complete destruction of certain cities, in contrast to Judges 4:16 where the battle focuses on military forces rather than entire populations.

Deuteronomy 20:16-17: But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee [for] an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Matthew 5:44 urges followers to love their enemies, which contrasts with the military defeat and pursuit depicted in Judges 4:16.

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 Exodus 23:22

Exodus 23:22 promises that God will be an enemy to the Israelites' enemies if they obey His voice, which stands in contrast with the earthly battle strategy and pursuit described in Judges 4:16.

Exodus 23:22: But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. [an adversary...: or, I will afflict them that afflict thee]

Contradiction with Matthew 26:52

Matthew 26:52, which warns that those who draw the sword will die by the sword, contrasts with the victorious use of the sword by Barak's army in Judges 4:16.

Matthew 26:52: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

Contradiction with Romans 12:19

Romans 12:19 advises believers not to seek vengeance but leave it to God, offering a different approach to handling enemies compared to the pursuit in Judges 4:16.

Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Contradiction with Proverbs 20:22

Proverbs 20:22 advises against repaying evil with evil, suggesting a different response than pursuing and defeating the enemy as seen in Judges 4:16.

Proverbs 20:22: Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4

Isaiah 2:4 prophesies a time when nations will not wage war, which contradicts the warring context of Judges 4:16 where a battle takes place.

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]
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