Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 12:1

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 12:1 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 12:1. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Joshua, this verse tells us about the kings that the Israelites defeated to take their lands. It's like a list of victories where God's people got new places to live on the other side of the river.

Joshua 12:1: Now these [are] the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east:

Contradiction with Exodus 23:31

Suggests God will gradually drive out the inhabitants, not emphasizing immediate conquest as depicted in Joshua 12:1.

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 Deuteronomy 7:22

States that God will clear nations little by little, contrasting rapid conquests implied in Joshua 12:1.

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 Judges 2:21-23

Indicates that God left some nations to test Israel, contradicting the complete conquests implied in Joshua 12:1.

Judges 2:21-23: I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:18-19

God commands Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites, contrasting the peaceful approach seen post-victory in settlements mentioned in Joshua 12:1.

1 Samuel 15:18-19: And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. [they...: Heb. they consume them]

Contradiction with Psalm 115:1

Highlights giving glory to God alone, which could contradict the listing and glorifying of military victories in Joshua 12:1.

Psalm 115:1: Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, [and] for thy truth's sake.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 9:23-24

Emphasizes boasting in knowing God, not in military conquest, contradicting the pride in victories seen in Joshua 12:1.

Jeremiah 9:23-24: Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

Contradiction with Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, contradicting the war and conquest theme in Joshua 12:1.

Matthew 5:9: Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Contradiction with Romans 12:18

Advocates for living peaceably with all, in contrast to the warfare focus of Joshua 12:1.

Romans 12:18: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Contradiction with Ephesians 6:12

Focus on spiritual battle, contrasting physical battles and territorial conquests of Joshua 12:1.

Ephesians 6:12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. [flesh...: Gr. blood and flesh] [spiritual...: or, wicked spirits] [high: or, heavenly]

Contradiction with James 4:1

Discusses conflicts arising from desires, potentially contradicting divinely ordained conquests in Joshua 12:1.

James 4:1: From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members? [fightings: or, brawlings] [lusts: or, pleasures]
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