Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 10:39

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 10:39 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 10:39. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Joshua, the verse shows how Joshua followed God's instructions to win battles and defeat cities, making sure that they were completely conquered. This was important to show that God was helping the Israelites in their journey to have their own land.

Joshua 10:39: And he took it, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof; and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the souls that [were] therein; he left none remaining: as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir, and to the king thereof; as he had done also to Libnah, and to her king.

Contradiction with Exodus 34:6-7

Explains God's merciful nature, whereas Joshua 10:39 describes complete destruction without showing mercy.

Exodus 34:6-7: And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:23

Indicates God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked, contrasting with the annihilation in Joshua 10:39.

Ezekiel 18:23: Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Jesus instructs to love enemies, contradictory to the destruction of enemies in Joshua 10:39.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Romans 12:19

Advises not to avenge, but leave wrath to God, which contrasts with the proactive destruction in Joshua 10:39.

Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Contradiction with Proverbs 16:7

States that even enemies can be at peace when ways please the Lord, differing from the warlike approach in Joshua 10:39.

Proverbs 16:7: When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Paradox #1

The contradiction in Joshua 10:39 could be the conflict between the conquest and destruction of entire cities, which includes killing non-combatants, and the moral teachings about compassion, mercy, and the value of human life found elsewhere in religious texts. This might seem inconsistent with the broader ethical messages about love and kindness.

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