Contradictions and Paradoxes in Judges 7:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Judges 7:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Judges 7:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Judges, God wanted brave and confident people to stay with Gideon, so those who were scared were allowed to go home. This way, the people who stayed were really ready to help.

Judges 7:3: Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever [is] fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.

Contradiction with Joshua 1:9

Unlike Judges 7:3, which permits the fearful to leave, Joshua 1:9 encourages strength and courage without place for fear.

Joshua 1:9: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Contradiction with 2 Timothy 1:7

This verse implies that God provides a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, in contrast to Judges 7:3 where those who are fearful are allowed to depart.

2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 20:8

Both have a similar provision for the fearful to leave, but Deuteronomy 20:8 is consistent with a broader context of war, compared to the specific scenario in Judges 7:3.

Deuteronomy 20:8: And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man [is there that is] fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart. [faint: Heb. melt]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 17:24

Unlike Judges 7:3 where those afraid could leave, in 1 Samuel 17:24, the men of Israel fled specifically due to Goliath’s challenge, implying panic amidst a battle situation rather than structured departure.

1 Samuel 17:24: And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. [from...: Heb. from his face]

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in Judges 7:3 could relate to the number of soldiers involved in the story. Different parts of the Bible might give varying accounts of the sizes of armies, leading to confusion about historical accuracy. Additionally, the way in which the numbers are described might not align with historical methods of counting or military organization.

Paradox #2

The contradiction or conflict in the verse could be seen in the idea of sending away people who are afraid or hesitant. This might not seem fair because it suggests that fear is something to be punished or looked down upon. In real life, everyone experiences fear, and it might feel unjust to treat fearful people as less valuable or unworthy of participation.

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