Contradictions and Paradoxes in Judges 7:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Judges 7:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Judges 7:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, God told Gideon he had too many soldiers and needed to test them by the water to see who would be brave enough to stay and help. This way, God could decide who would fight with Gideon.

Judges 7:4: And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people [are] yet [too] many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, [that] of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.

Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5

Trusting in the Lord with all your heart seems contrary to God's specific test of the soldiers' vigilance and readiness, as it implies reliance on God's wisdom over human actions.

Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 17:47

The emphasis on battles being the Lord's and not fought with human tactics contrasts with Judges 7:4, where God gives a specific method for choosing the warriors.

1 Samuel 17:47: And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

Contradiction with Isaiah 55:8-9

This passage underscores God's thoughts and ways being higher, contradicting the logical yet peculiar method described in Judges 7:4.

Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:27

Highlights God using the foolish to shame the wise, opposing the idea of a clever plan like the one in Judges 7:4 being God's choice for selection.

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 Matthew 26:52

Suggests a principle of non-violence, conflicting with the preparation for battle seen in Judges 7:4.

Matthew 26:52: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

Contradiction with Zechariah 4:6

Asserts reliance on spirit, not physical might, contrasting with the selection process for a physical battle in Judges 7:4.

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]
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