Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches to love your enemies and bless those who curse you, in contrast to the call for vengeance in Psalms 137:9.
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 Proverbs 24:17
Advises against rejoicing when your enemy falls, opposing the sentiment of celebrating harm to enemies in Psalms 137:9.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Instructs believers to leave vengeance to God, which contradicts the call for personal retribution in Psalms 137:9.
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 Luke 6:27
Encourages loving your enemies, directly contrasting with the violent implications of Psalms 137:9.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with Ephesians 4:32
Urges kindness and forgiveness to one another, which is contrary to the spirit of revenge in Psalms 137:9.
Ephesians 4:32: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Contradiction with Proverbs 20:22
Advises not to say "I will repay evil," instead waiting for the Lord, unlike the retaliatory wish in Psalms 137:9.
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
Tells not to repay evil with evil or insult with insult, contradicting the desire for vengeance expressed in Psalms 137:9.
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.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:14-15
Highlights the importance of forgiveness if one wants to be forgiven, contrasting with the call for retribution.
Matthew 6:14-15: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Paradox #1
The verse presents a challenge because it expresses a desire for violence that seems to contradict the broader biblical themes of love, forgiveness, and mercy. This tension arises as the verse reflects human emotion and anger, which can appear inconsistent with the message of compassion found in many other parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
Psalms 137:9 can be seen as conflicting with the overall biblical teachings of love, forgiveness, and mercy. It expresses a desire for violent retribution, which seems to contradict the messages where God encourages people to love their enemies and practice forgiveness, as highlighted in other parts of the Bible. This can create a tension between the desire for justice and the call for compassion and mercy.
Paradox #3
Psalms 137:9 is a verse that expresses a desire for revenge against the Babylonians for their destruction of Jerusalem. The contradiction or conflict here is that this sentiment clashes with other parts of the Bible that promote forgiveness, mercy, and love for enemies, such as teachings found in the New Testament, like those of Jesus advocating for turning the other cheek. This creates an inconsistency within biblical messages about how to treat enemies.
Paradox #4
This verse can be seen as conflicting with modern moral and ethical standards, which generally condemn violence and promote the protection of children. It can be viewed as inconsistent with the values of compassion and non-violence found in many current societal norms and international human rights principles.
Paradox #5
The contradiction in that verse arises from the endorsement of an act of violence, which is inconsistent with teachings of love, forgiveness, and non-violence found elsewhere in the Bible. This creates a tension between the desire for justice or revenge and the overarching message of compassion and mercy.