Contradictions and Paradoxes in Deuteronomy 2:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Deuteronomy 2:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Deuteronomy 2:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to tradition, which says Moses wrote the book, this verse means God is telling the people they have stayed in one place for too long and it is time to move in a new direction. God is guiding them to go north to continue their journey.

Deuteronomy 2:3: Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward.

Contradiction with Numbers 14:25

While Deuteronomy 2:3 speaks about turning northward, Numbers 14:25 instructs turning into the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea.

Numbers 14:25: (Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

Contradiction with Exodus 13:18

Deuteronomy 2:3 suggests direction, whereas Exodus 13:18 describes God leading the Israelites in a roundabout way through the wilderness.

Exodus 13:18: But God led the people about, [through] the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. [harnessed: or, by five in a rank]

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:40

In contrast to moving forward, Deuteronomy 1:40 commands turning toward the Red Sea, indicating a retreat.

Deuteronomy 1:40: But [as for] you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

Contradiction with Numbers 21:4

Deuteronomy 2:3 indicates moving northward, while Numbers 21:4 describes moving southward towards the Red Sea to avoid Edom.

Numbers 21:4: And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. [discouraged: or, grieved: Heb. shortened]

Contradiction with Exodus 13:17

Contrary to a direct direction seen in Deuteronomy 2:3, Exodus 13:17 shows God avoiding a straight path to the Promised Land.

Exodus 13:17: And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not [through] the way of the land of the Philistines, although that [was] near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:
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