Contradiction with Joshua 10:40
This verse focuses on the complete destruction of the enemies as commanded by God, which contrasts with the list of kings defeated in Joshua 12:13, emphasizing ongoing conquest rather than total annihilation at once.
Joshua 10:40: So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:2
Commands the Israelites to utterly destroy nations and make no covenants, contrasting with the conquests described in Joshua 12:13 where particular kings were defeated and listed.
Deuteronomy 7:2: And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:
Contradiction with Judges 1:1
Mentions battles that continued after Joshua's time, implying incomplete conquest, which contradicts the seemingly comprehensive list of defeated kings in Joshua 12:13.
Judges 1:1: Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?
Contradiction with Joshua 11:23
States the land had rest from war, potentially clashing with Joshua 12:13’s implication of ongoing military actions and conquests.
Joshua 11:23: So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 20:16-17
Orders complete destruction of certain city dwellers, contrasting with Joshua 12:13’s record of defeating kings without explicit mention of entire city destructions.
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: