Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
While Judges 5:23 curses Meroz for not coming to help in battle, Matthew 5:44 encourages love for enemies and blessing those who curse you.
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 Romans 12:14
Romans 12:14 advises blessing those who persecute you, which contrasts with the curse pronounced on Meroz in Judges 5:23.
Romans 12:14: Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
This verse commands "Thou shalt not kill," whereas Judges 5:23 involves a call to battle which implies killing.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 7:1
This verse advises not to judge others, conflicting with the call for cursing and condemnation in Judges 5:23.
Matthew 7:1: Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17
This verse instructs not to rejoice when an enemy falls, whereas Judges 5:23 calls for cursing those who did not help in the battle.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Paradox #1
The verse in question involves a curse against the inhabitants of a place for not helping in a battle. A potential theological conflict here could be with the broader biblical themes of mercy and forgiveness. Throughout the Bible, there is an emphasis on showing mercy and forgiving others, yet this verse involves calling a curse on people. This might seem contradictory to those broader themes.
Paradox #2
This verse describes a curse on those who did not come to help in a battle. The contradiction might lie in the idea of punishing those who choose not to engage in violence or war. Some might see this as conflicting with values of peace and personal choice.