Contradiction with Exodus 4:10
Moses claims he is not eloquent, unlike Gideon who claims he is too weak and unimportant.
Exodus 4:10: And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I [am] not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I [am] slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. [eloquent: Heb. a man of words] [heretofore: Heb. since yesterday, nor since the third day]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 1:6
Jeremiah expresses his youth and inability to speak; Gideon cites weakness in family status, not speech.
Jeremiah 1:6: Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [am] a child.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 9:21
Saul argues his tribe is the least in Israel, whereas Gideon argues his family is the weakest in Manasseh.
1 Samuel 9:21: And Saul answered and said, [Am] not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me? [so...: Heb. according to this word]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:27
God chooses the foolish and weak, contrasting Gideon's view of himself as weak being a limitation.
1 Corinthians 1:27: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Contradiction with Judges 7:2
God’s reassurance to Gideon requires reduced forces, contradicting Gideon's emphasis on personal and familial weakness.
Judges 7:2: And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that [are] with thee [are] too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Paul speaks of strength in weakness through God, unlike Gideon who views his weakness as a hindrance.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in Judges 6:15 could relate to the theme of divine selection versus human perception of ability. Gideon questions God's choice, feeling inadequate due to his family's low status, which might seem inconsistent with the idea that God chooses capable leaders. It highlights the tension between human self-doubt and divine assurance.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency could relate to Gideon's self-doubt about his ability to lead and deliver Israel, despite the evidence in other parts of the Bible that God often chose unlikely or seemingly weak individuals for significant roles. This can seem inconsistent with how God typically chooses leaders, creating a tension between perceived human weaknesses and divine selection.