Contradiction with 2 Samuel 8:3
David expanded the kingdom beyond the original boundaries set in Genesis 15:18.
2 Samuel 8:3: David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates. [Hadadezer: or, Hadarezer]
Contradiction with Joshua 21:43
Claims that the Lord had given all the land, fulfilling the promise, whereas Genesis 15:18 speaks of a promise yet to be fully realized.
Joshua 21:43: And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.
Contradiction with Exodus 23:31
Describes different boundaries for the Promised Land compared to the description in Genesis 15:18.
Exodus 23:31: And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.
Contradiction with Numbers 34:2-12
Specifies boundaries that do not match those given in Genesis 15:18.
Numbers 34:2-12: Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land of Canaan; (this [is] the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, [even] the land of Canaan with the coasts thereof:)
Paradox #1
Genesis 15:18 might raise questions about the fulfillment of God's promise regarding the land. Some see a potential inconsistency in whether the full extent of this promise was historically realized, especially in relation to the boundaries it describes and the land actually occupied by the Israelites. This could lead to debates on how this promise is interpreted or understood within different theological perspectives.
Paradox #2
Genesis 15:18 describes a promise from God to Abraham, promising land to his descendants. A contradiction might arise concerning the extent of the land promised, as it includes territories that Israel did not historically control. Additionally, there are conflicts because different religious and historical narratives interpret the boundaries and fulfillment of this promise differently, leading to debates over its historical accuracy and implications.
Paradox #3
Genesis 15:18 might raise questions about fairness or ownership because it involves a promise of land to certain people, which could lead to conflict over who actually has rightful claim to that land. Some might see this as unfair to the people already living there.