Contradiction with 1 Samuel 8:7
This verse contradicts Judges 8:23 as it describes God allowing Israel to have a king, whereas Judges 8:23 states that the Lord shall rule over Israel, rejecting human kingship.
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 Hosea 13:10
This verse highlights the rejection of God as king when Israel requested a human king, thereby contradicting the acceptance of divine rulership expressed in Judges 8:23.
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?]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 12:12
It mentions the people's demand for a king to reign over them, contradicting the refusal of Gideon to rule or allow his son to rule as recorded in Judges 8:23.
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 conditions for appointing a king over Israel, contradicting Gideon's statement in Judges 8:23 that the Lord alone should rule over the people.
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 1 Samuel 10:19
This verse shows Israel rejecting God's kingship by choosing a human king, contrasting with Judges 8:23 where Gideon insists on God's sole rulership.
1 Samuel 10:19: And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, [Nay], but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 8:19-20
God promises David's descendants will sit on Israel's throne, which contrasts with Judges 8:23 where a human monarchy is not established.
1 Kings 8:19-20: Nevertheless thou shalt not build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my name.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:1
God's selection of David as king contradicts the notion in Judges 8:23 that only God should rule over Israel.
1 Samuel 16:1: And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
Paradox #1
Judges 8:23 mentions Gideon refusing to rule over the Israelites, saying that the Lord will rule over them. A possible contradiction or conflict could be seen with other parts of the Bible that establish human kings, like in 1 Samuel when Saul is appointed as king of Israel. This might seem inconsistent because Gideon's refusal suggests that only God should be their ruler, while other parts accept human kingship.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in "Judges 8:23" could be seen in the context of leadership and authority. This verse may suggest a rejection of human leadership in favor of divine rule. However, elsewhere in the Bible, there are instances where God appoints leaders over Israel, such as kings and judges, which might seem inconsistent with this message. This tension reflects the ongoing struggle between human governance and divine sovereignty.