Contradiction with Exodus 14:14
Psalms 136:18 speaks of God killing mighty kings, while Exodus 14:14 emphasizes God fighting for His people, implying protection rather than killing.
Exodus 14:14: The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Psalms 136:18 celebrates the defeat of kings, while Matthew 5:44 instructs to love your enemies, promoting peace and love rather than the celebration of defeat.
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
Psalms 136:18 recounts God slaying kings as an act of judgment, while Romans 12:19 advises against seeking vengeance, trusting God for justice in His own time.
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 1 John 4:8
Psalms 136:18 depicts God's actions in war, while 1 John 4:8 defines God as love, suggesting a nature contrary to violence.
1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
Psalms 136:18 reflects on past conquests, whereas Isaiah 2:4 envisions a future where God judges all nations and there is no more war.
Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency in Psalms 136:18 lies in the celebration of violence or destruction, which might conflict with the broader moral teachings about love, mercy, and forgiveness. This can create tension between valuing compassion versus praising acts of force or retribution.