Judges 9:55 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the author of the Book of Judges, when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech had died, they went back home to their own places. This means they stopped fighting and went back to their normal lives because the leader was gone.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Judges 9:55 speaks of the people returning to themselves after Abimelech's death, implying satisfaction. In contrast, Matthew 5:44 advocates for loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you, promoting forgiveness over satisfaction from an enemy's downfall.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Romans 12:19

While Judges 9:55 shows a resolution through Abimelech's defeat, Romans 12:19 advises against seeking personal vengeance, emphasizing that vengeance belongs to the Lord.

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 24:17

Judges 9:55 depicts the aftermath of violence ending in the people's relief. Proverbs 24:17 warns against rejoicing when your enemy falls, suggesting restraint instead of satisfaction.

Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Contradiction with James 1:20

The verse in Judges demonstrates relief through destruction. James 1:20, however, highlights that human anger does not fulfill God's righteousness, implying that violent resolutions are not just.

James 1:20: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Contradiction with Matthew 26:52

The resolution in Judges 9:55 through the fall of Abimelech is contrasted with Matthew 26:52, where Jesus instructs that those who live by the sword will die by the sword, indicating a cycle of violence that's contrary to peace.

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 Proverbs 20:22

Judges 9:55 shows relief through revenge. Proverbs 20:22 encourages waiting for the Lord’s deliverance rather than repaying evil.

Proverbs 20:22: Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:9

Contrarily, 1 Peter 3:9 advises not to return evil for evil, unlike the retributive justice seen in Judges 9:55.

1 Peter 3:9: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.