Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 12:22

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 12:22 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 12:22. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, Joshua, this verse lists some of the kings that were defeated by the Israelites. It shows how the Israelites, with God's help, were winning battles against different towns.

Joshua 12:22: The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;

Contradiction with Numbers 21:24

Contradicts by describing how Israel took all the land from Arnon to Jabbok, which implies a complete conquest, differing from the partial conquests listed in Joshua 12:22.

Numbers 21:24: And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong.

Contradiction with Joshua 11:18-19

Contradicts by saying Joshua made war a long time and that all cities were taken in battle except Gibeon, implying a thorough conquest unlike the specific kings listed in Joshua 12:22.

Joshua 11:18-19: Joshua made war a long time with all those kings.

Contradiction with Judges 1:27

Contradicts by stating that the Israelites did not drive out the inhabitants of several cities, including Megiddo, suggesting incomplete conquest contrary to the victory implied in Joshua 12:22.

Judges 1:27: Neither did Manasseh drive out [the inhabitants of] Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

Contradiction with Judges 2:21-23

Contradicts by indicating that God left several nations to test Israel, which opposes the notion of complete conquest as per the victories listed in Joshua 12:22.

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 Joshua 13:1

Contradicts by detailing how much land remains to be possessed in Israel, which counters the impression of complete victory portrayed in Joshua 12:22 through the listing of defeated kings.

Joshua 13:1: Now Joshua was old [and] stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old [and] stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. [to...: Heb. to possess it]
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