Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:1
This verse contradicts Judges 9:6, as it describes God choosing David as king, whereas Judges 9:6 describes the men of Shechem making Abimelech king without divine appointment.
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.
Contradiction with Hosea 8:4
This verse contradicts Judges 9:6, as it mentions setting up kings without God's approval, paralleling the men of Shechem's decision in appointing Abimelech.
Hosea 8:4: They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew [it] not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.
Contradiction with Judges 8:23
This verse contradicts Judges 9:6, as Gideon refuses to be king, acknowledging only the Lord's reign, opposing the human appointment seen in Judges 9:6.
Judges 8:23: And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.
Contradiction with Isaiah 3:4
This verse contradicts Judges 9:6, by illustrating consequences of leaders without divine guidance, as seen in the rash decision of the men of Shechem in Judges 9:6.
Isaiah 3:4: And I will give children [to be] their princes, and babes shall rule over them.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 17:15
This verse contradicts Judges 9:6, as it commands that a king should be chosen by God from among Israelites, in contrast to the man-made selection of Abimelech.
Deuteronomy 17:15: Thou shalt in any wise set [him] king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: [one] from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which [is] not thy brother.
Paradox #1
There is a contradiction regarding the city of Shechem in Judges 9:6. The verse refers to Shechem as the central location for crowning Abimelech as king. However, historically, Shechem was a city of importance mainly for the northern tribes of Israel, and it is unusual because Abimelech's rule seems to be focused on a smaller, localized region, whereas other biblical accounts suggest broader kingdoms or tribal confederations were the norm. This localized kingship could be seen as inconsistent with the larger narrative of Israelite history during the time of the Judges.