Contradictions and Paradoxes in Deuteronomy 3:28

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Deuteronomy 3:28 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Deuteronomy 3:28. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Deuteronomy, God wanted Moses to support Joshua and make him feel brave and strong because Joshua would be the one to lead the people to their new home. Moses was asked to help Joshua get ready for this big job.

Deuteronomy 3:28: But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.

Contradiction with Numbers 20:12

God tells Moses he will not enter the Promised Land, whereas Deuteronomy 3:28 commands Moses to encourage Joshua as he will lead the people into the land.

Numbers 20:12: And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 31:7-8

Emphasizes Moses' blessing and encouragement to Joshua with God’s reassurance, contrasting personal exclusion implied in Deuteronomy 3:28.

Deuteronomy 31:7-8: And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

Contradiction with Joshua 1:2

God speaks directly to Joshua about taking over Moses' role after Moses' death, implying leadership transition rather than Moses’ personal commissioning in Deuteronomy 3:28.

Joshua 1:2: Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, [even] to the children of Israel.

Contradiction with Numbers 27:14

Reminds of Moses' prior disobedience which led to his exclusion from the Promised Land, whereas Deuteronomy 3:28 focuses on Moses’ role in encouraging Joshua for entering the land.

Numbers 27:14: For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that [is] the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 32:52

Declares that Moses shall see the land but not enter it, differing from the supportive role given in Deuteronomy 3:28 to facilitate Joshua’s entry.

Deuteronomy 32:52: Yet thou shalt see the land before [thee]; but thou shalt not go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel.
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