Contradiction with 1 Samuel 14:6
This verse depicts Jonathan having faith that God can save with many or few, which contrasts with God's instruction to reduce Gideon's army in Judges 7:2 to ensure Israel does not boast in their own strength.
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 Isaiah 31:1
This verse criticizes those who rely on military strength rather than God, while Judges 7:2 underscores God limiting the number to emphasize reliance on divine power, implying that larger numbers often signify misplaced trust.
Isaiah 31:1: Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
Contradiction with Psalm 33:16
It states that no king is saved by the size of his army, which highlights that victory does not come from numbers, aligning with Judges 7:2 where God reduces the army, yet suggesting that the verse needs the opposite acknowledgment of larger forces sometimes being seen as necessary.
Psalm 33:16: There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 21:5-6
These verses discuss David counting his fighting men, which he is later punished for, suggesting a focus on size and numbers for strength, in contrast to Judges 7:2, where God decreases numbers to prevent boasting.
1 Chronicles 21:5-6: And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all [they of] Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah [was] four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 20:1
This verse encourages not to fear large armies because the Lord is with them, yet in Judges 7:2, God intentionally reduces Israel's sizeable force to avoid them taking credit for the victory.
Deuteronomy 20:1: When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, [and] a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Paradox #1
Judges 7:2 could be seen as conflicting with the idea that human strength and numbers are necessary for victory. The verse emphasizes reliance on God rather than human resources, which might contradict other parts of the Bible where military might and numbers play a significant role in battle success. This could create tension with stories that highlight the importance of human effort and strategy.
Paradox #2
The verse presents a potential doctrinal conflict regarding reliance on human strength versus divine power. It suggests that victory should be attributed to divine intervention rather than human effort, which might conflict with themes elsewhere in the Bible that emphasize human responsibility and cooperation with God's will.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict in Judges 7:2 might arise from the idea of valuing human strength versus relying on divine intervention. It suggests that human effort and strength should not take credit for victories, which some might see as in conflict with the value of hard work and personal achievement.