Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
"Thou shalt not kill" contradicts the act of Gideon asking his son to kill, which suggests taking a life.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:39
Turning the other cheek contradicts the idea of taking vengeance or executing someone, as suggested in Judges 8:20.
Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
"Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord," contradicts Gideon's directive for personal retribution.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21-22
Advises feeding your enemy rather than killing them, opposing Gideon's command.
Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Contradiction with Matthew 26:52
"For all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword" contradicts the act of asking someone to kill.
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?
Paradox #1
Judges 8:20 might present a doctrinal inconsistency related to the themes of mercy and justice in the Bible. In this verse, there is a command related to executing judgment on enemy kings. This can appear to contrast with other biblical teachings that emphasize mercy and forgiveness. Reconciling actions of violence with teachings of love and forgiveness might be challenging for some readers.
Paradox #2
One possible inconsistency related to Judges 8:20 involves Gideon's request to his young son, Jether. Some people find it contradictory that Gideon would ask his son, who is still just a boy, to perform the adult task of executing men. This might seem inconsistent with the cultural expectations and responsibilities placed on children versus adults in that time.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this verse could be seen as the conflict between justice and mercy. The context involves Gideon asking his son to kill someone. This might seem inconsistent because the Bible often teaches forgiveness and mercy, but here it involves an act of violence. Such situations can challenge our understanding of moral actions and the balance between justice and compassion.