Contradiction with Numbers 13:30
While Deuteronomy 1:28 expresses fear and discouragement about entering the land, Numbers 13:30 shows Caleb encouraging the people to go up and possess it confidently.
Numbers 13:30: And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 31:6
Deuteronomy 1:28 depicts fear, but Deuteronomy 31:6 instructs to be strong and courageous, contradicting the fear expressed.
Deuteronomy 31:6: Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Contradiction with Joshua 1:9
Deuteronomy 1:28 is filled with fear of entering the land, yet Joshua 1:9 commands strength and courage, showing a contradiction in attitude.
Joshua 1:9: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Contradiction with Psalm 27:1
The fear described in Deuteronomy 1:28 contrasts with Psalm 27:1 which speaks of the Lord as light and salvation, questioning why there should be fear.
Psalm 27:1: [[A Psalm] of David.] The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Contradiction with Isaiah 41:10
While Deuteronomy 1:28 conveys fear, Isaiah 41:10 advises not to fear because God is with them, contradicting the fear expressed.
Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Contradiction with 2 Timothy 1:7
Deuteronomy 1:28 reflects a spirit of fear, but 2 Timothy 1:7 states God gave a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, opposing the spirit of fear.
2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Contradiction with Philippians 4:13
Deuteronomy 1:28 speaks of feeling unable due to fear, while Philippians 4:13 declares the ability to do all things through Christ.
Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Paradox #1
Deuteronomy 1:28 illustrates the Israelites' fear and discouragement about entering the Promised Land due to the report of large, fortified cities and strong inhabitants. A potential theological inconsistency could be the contrast with earlier assurances of God's promise and power to help them conquer the land. Their fear seems to contradict the trust and faith they were encouraged to have in God's support.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 1:28 can be seen to contrast with some other biblical teachings about faith and trust in God. The verse reflects fear and doubt about facing strong nations, which might contradict messages elsewhere in the Bible that emphasize having faith and not being afraid, like the encouragement to trust in God found in passages such as Joshua 1:9. These instances can appear inconsistent as one part shows fear while others promote faith and courage.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 1:28 may have contradictions when compared to accounts in the book of Numbers, particularly with the story of the spies sent to explore Canaan. The two books sometimes offer different details, like the number of spies and their reports' emphasis. These variations can be seen as inconsistencies in the biblical narrative.
Paradox #4
Some people might see a contradiction in stories involving giants in the Bible, including the one mentioned in the verse, since there is no scientific evidence supporting the existence of giant humans as described in ancient texts. Scientists understand human growth through known biological limits, and the existence of such giants would conflict with current understanding of human biology and archaeology.
Paradox #5
The potential contradiction in Deuteronomy 1:28 may arise from the fear and lack of trust in divine promises. The people express doubt and fear about overcoming obstacles despite being assured of support. This reflects a conflict between faith in divine guidance and human anxiety or doubt in challenging situations.