Contradictions and Paradoxes in Judges 8:22

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Judges 8:22 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Judges 8:22. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Judges, the people of Israel wanted Gideon to be their king because he saved them from their enemies. They asked him and his family to lead them forever.

Judges 8:22: Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son's son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 8:7

This verse shows God telling Samuel that the people have rejected Him as king by asking for a human king, contradicting the Israelites' request for Gideon to rule over them in Judges 8:22, which implies acceptance of divine leadership in that period.

1 Samuel 8:7: And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 12:12

This verse recounts how the Israelites demanded a king to lead them like other nations when faced with external threats, contradicting the earlier rejection of kingship by Gideon in Judges 8:22, indicating God's preference for His direct rule.

1 Samuel 12:12: And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God [was] your king.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 17:14-15

These verses provide guidelines for appointing a king, implying anticipation of a king for Israel, whereas Judges 8:22 reflects Gideon's refusal to become a king, suggesting a transitional period in Israelite governance.

Deuteronomy 17:14-15: When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that [are] about me;

Contradiction with Hosea 13:10

This verse emphasizes God's role as king and criticizes Israel for desiring a human king, contradicting the Israelites' request for Gideon's leadership in Judges 8:22, which Gideon rejects in favor of divine kingship.

Hosea 13:10: I will be thy king: where [is any other] that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes? [I will...: rather, Where is thy king?]
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