Contradiction with Numbers 14:31
Deuteronomy 1:35 states that none of the evil generation shall see the promised land, but Numbers 14:31 promises the land to their children.
Numbers 14:31: But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.
Contradiction with Numbers 14:24
Deuteronomy 1:35 states that no person from the generation would see the land, but Caleb is specifically promised to see it.
Numbers 14:24: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:36
The previous verse states no one shall see the land, but the very next verse makes an exception for Caleb.
Deuteronomy 1:36: Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD. [wholly...: Heb. fulfilled to go after]
Contradiction with Joshua 14:9
Deuteronomy 1:35 mentions that none will see the land, yet here Caleb is affirmed to receive it.
Joshua 14:9: And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God.
Contradiction with Joshua 14:13
Deuteronomy 1:35 mentioned none, but Caleb indeed receives his inheritance.
Joshua 14:13: And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:38
Initially, it states none will enter, but Joshua is confirmed as the leader to enter the land.
Deuteronomy 1:38: [But] Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.
Contradiction with Numbers 14:30
This verse states that Caleb and Joshua will enter the land, contradicting the claim that none will see it.
Numbers 14:30: Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, [concerning] which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. [sware: Heb. lifted up my hand]
Contradiction with Numbers 26:65
Affirms the deaths of those who doubted, except Caleb and Joshua, contradicting the total exclusion statement.
Numbers 26:65: For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
Contradiction with Numbers 32:12
Contradicts by excluding Caleb and Joshua from the earlier blanket statement of total exclusion.
Numbers 32:12: Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 34:4
Moses is shown the land despite initially being told "none shall see it."
Deuteronomy 34:4: And the LORD said unto him, This [is] the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see [it] with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.
Paradox #1
The contradiction could arise when considering the universality of God's promises. Deuteronomy 1:35 suggests a limit to who can enter the promised land, which might appear in conflict with other parts of the Bible that speak of God's promises or blessings being for all people. Thus, the tension lies in understanding whom those promises apply to and under what conditions.
Paradox #2
Some people might see a contradiction between Deuteronomy 1:35 and the idea that God is forgiving and merciful. In this verse, God is punishing a whole generation for disbelief, which can seem harsh compared to other Bible passages that emphasize forgiveness. However, others interpret this as an example of justice, where God upholds His promises and standards. Ultimately, it depends on how one understands God's character and actions throughout the Bible.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 1:35 could be seen as inconsistent or contradictory with other parts of the Bible because it mentions that none of the current generation would see the promised land. However, later texts indicate exceptions, such as Joshua and Caleb, who did enter the promised land. This might seem like a discrepancy in the narrative about who was allowed to enter the promised land.