Contradiction with Numbers 21:24
Contradicts by stating Israel took possession of the Amorite land before Moses spoke to them east of Jordan, while Deuteronomy 1:4 references the defeat of Sihon afterwards.
Numbers 21:24: And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong.
Contradiction with Numbers 32:33
Shows the allocation of land to tribes as happening during Moses' life, whereas Deuteronomy 1:4 implies it could be a distinct event.
Numbers 32:33: And Moses gave unto them, [even] to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, [even] the cities of the country round about.
Contradiction with Joshua 12:6
Indicates that Moses and Israelites defeated Sihon and his land was given to the Reubenites, contradicting the chronological order suggested by Deuteronomy 1:4.
Joshua 12:6: Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it [for] a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.
Contradiction with Numbers 21:25
States that Israel dwelt in the cities of the Amorites after defeating Sihon, contradicting Deuteronomy 1:4 if considered to reference a separate point in time.
Numbers 21:25: And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof. [villages: Heb. daughters]
Contradiction with Judges 11:21
Reflects on past victories over Sihon, creating a seeming contradiction with the timeline implied in Deuteronomy 1:4.
Judges 11:21: And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country.
Paradox #1
The historical issue with Deuteronomy 1:4 arises from the timing of events. The verse mentions victories over certain kings, but there seems to be a discrepancy with the timeline when compared to earlier accounts in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Numbers. This inconsistency may lead to questions about when exactly these battles took place.