Contradiction with Numbers 33:55
While Exodus 23:28 mentions driving out the inhabitants using hornets, Numbers 33:55 warns that if the Israelites do not drive them out themselves, the remaining inhabitants will become thorns to them, indicating a reliance on human action rather than divine intervention.
Numbers 33:55: But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them [shall be] pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:22
This verse states that God will drive out nations "little by little," contradicting the idea of using hornets for a swift expulsion described in Exodus 23:28.
Deuteronomy 7:22: And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee. [put...: Heb. pluck off]
Contradiction with Joshua 24:12
Similar to Exodus 23:28, it mentions God sending hornets, but it attributes the driving out of two Amorite kings not solely to hornets, implying a different method or additional action by the people.
Joshua 24:12: And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, [even] the two kings of the Amorites; [but] not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.
Contradiction with Judges 2:21-22
Here, God says He will no longer drive out the nations before them due to Israel's disobedience, contradicting the promise in Exodus 23:28 of divine intervention regardless of Israel's actions.
Judges 2:21-22: I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:
Contradiction with Psalm 44:3
This verse attributes the Israelites' victory to God's intervention rather than natural phenomena like hornets, which contrasts with the method described in Exodus 23:28.
Psalm 44:3: For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency with Exodus 23:28 could stem from the mention of "sending hornets" to drive out people from the land, which lacks archaeological or historical evidence to support the occurrence of such a literal event. Additionally, interpretations vary, with some viewing it as metaphorical rather than literal, creating differing understandings of its historical accuracy.
Paradox #2
Some people might find a scientific inconsistency in the description of sending "hornets" to drive out groups of people. Scientifically, it would be unlikely for hornets, as insects, to manage or specifically target human populations in such a strategic manner.
Paradox #3
Exodus 23:28 discusses using hornets to drive out enemies, which can conflict with ideas about kindness and non-violence. Sending creatures to harm others might not align with the moral teachings about love and compassion found in other parts of the Bible.