Contradictions and Paradoxes in Judges 7:1

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Judges 7:1 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Judges 7:1. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Judges, Gideon and his people woke up early and set up their camp near a well. They were getting ready to face their enemies, the Midianites, who were camped in a valley nearby.

Judges 7:1: Then Jerubbaal, who [is] Gideon, and all the people that [were] with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

Contradiction with Matthew 19:26

In Judges 7:1, Gideon gathers an army believing numbers are necessary for victory, while Matthew 19:26 emphasizes that "with God all things are possible," implying reliance on divine power rather than human strength or numbers.

Matthew 19:26: But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 14:6

Judges 7:1 involves Gideon preparing a large army, whereas in 1 Samuel 14:6, Jonathan states that the LORD can save "by many or by few," suggesting that sheer numbers are not essential for victory.

1 Samuel 14:6: And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for [there is] no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

Contradiction with Zechariah 4:6

In Judges 7:1, the focus is initially on assembling men for battle. Zechariah 4:6 underscores that success comes "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts," contrasting with Gideon's initial approach.

Zechariah 4:6: Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. [might: or, army]

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:11

Judges 7:1 depicts the preparation for battle with a large group, while Ecclesiastes 9:11 notes that "the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong," suggesting outcomes are not always determined by strength in numbers.

Ecclesiastes 9:11: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.