Contradiction with Deuteronomy 20:16-17
These verses command the Israelites to utterly destroy the inhabitants of certain cities, which aligns with Joshua 11:14 and does not directly contradict it.
Deuteronomy 20:16-17: But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee [for] an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:
Contradiction with Joshua 21:43-45
These verses state that the land was fully possessed and rest was given from war, seeming to contradict the ongoing conquests and destructions like those in Joshua 11:14.
Joshua 21:43-45: 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 1 Samuel 15:3
This verse commands the total destruction of Amalek, similar to Joshua 11:14, showing consistency rather than contradiction.
1 Samuel 15:3: Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
Contradiction with Numbers 31:7-11
These verses describe the taking of spoils from the Midianites, similar to taking spoils in Joshua 11:14, and do not directly contradict it.
Numbers 31:7-11: And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.
Contradiction with Judges 2:1-3
Here, God reproves Israel for not breaking down altars, which could contradict the complete destruction described in Joshua 11:14.
Judges 2:1-3: And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. [angel: or, messenger]
Paradox #1
The verse in question describes a scenario where Joshua and the Israelites captured and plundered cities. The potential theological conflict could arise from the depiction of destruction and killing, which may seem to conflict with other parts of the Bible that emphasize peace, mercy, and the sanctity of life. This contrast can create a tension between the message of divine justice and the call for compassion and love towards others found in other biblical teachings, like those of Jesus in the New Testament.
Paradox #2
Joshua 11:14 describes the complete destruction of every living thing in conquered cities and taking of goods. A contradiction could be the feasibility of completely wiping out populations and the logistical challenges of managing large amounts of plunder without leaving any evidence or survivor accounts, especially given historical and archaeological findings that often suggest continuity in population and culture rather than complete annihilation. Additionally, modern morality and ethical standards conflict with such actions being recorded in ancient texts.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict in Joshua 11:14 could be seen as the tension between the biblical account of warfare and violence, including killing and destruction, versus the broader ethical teachings in other parts of the Bible that emphasize love, compassion, and peace. Some people might find it hard to reconcile these actions with the message of a loving and merciful God.