Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 16:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 16:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 16:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Joshua, this verse is explaining how the land was divided and marked for the people. It tells where the border lines were, from one place to another, ending at the sea.

Joshua 16:3: And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.

Contradiction with Genesis 15:18-21

This passage promises a specific land allotment to Abram's descendants that includes broader territories than those described in Joshua 16:3, suggesting a different scope of land distribution.

Genesis 15:18-21: In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Contradiction with Exodus 23:31

Here, God describes Israel's borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, which seems more expansive than what is outlined in Joshua 16:3.

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 Numbers 34:1-12

This passage defines the boundaries of the land of Canaan as given to the Israelites, providing a different territorial outline than Joshua 16:3.

Numbers 34:1-12: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 11:24

States that Israel's territory extends from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the river Euphrates to the utmost sea, which presents a broader definition of the land than in Joshua 16:3.

Deuteronomy 11:24: Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be.

Contradiction with Judges 1:29

Indicates that Ephraim did not drive out the Canaanites from Gezer, which contrasts Joshua 16:3 where the territory is described as part of the land of the children of Joseph.

Judges 1:29: Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 9:16

Describes Pharaoh, king of Egypt, capturing and later gifting Gezer to Solomon, conflicting with the notion of it being allotted to the tribe of Joseph as in Joshua 16:3.

1 Kings 9:16: [For] Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it [for] a present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife.
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