Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 16:9

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 16:9 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 16:9. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Joshua, God gave the children of Ephraim their own special cities to live in, even though they were inside the area of land given to the children of Manasseh. This shows that God takes care of each group and makes sure they have a place to call their own.

Joshua 16:9: And the separate cities for the children of Ephraim [were] among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages.

Contradiction with Joshua 14:4

This verse explains that the children of Joseph formed two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, suggesting a clear division of land, whereas Joshua 16:9 mentions separate cities within another tribe, which implies shared land.

Joshua 14:4: For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell [in], with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.

Contradiction with Numbers 26:52-56

These verses emphasize that land should be distributed solely by casting lots for each tribe, potentially contradicting Joshua 16:9 where cities within Ephraim's inheritance are among the inheritance of another tribe.

Numbers 26:52-56: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 10:9

This verse states that the Levites had no land inheritance, highlighting consistency in land allocations which seems contrary to Ephraim having cities within another tribe’s territory as in Joshua 16:9.

Deuteronomy 10:9: Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD [is] his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.

Contradiction with Judges 1:29

This verse mentions Ephraim's inability to drive out the Canaanites fully, suggesting a lack of full control over their own territories, contrary to the orderly allocation in Joshua 16:9.

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

Contradiction with Joshua 15:63

This verse talks about Judah not being able to drive out the Jebusites, contrasting with the peaceful integration of cities mentioned in Joshua 16:9, suggesting differing degrees of control over allocated territories.

Joshua 15:63: As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.
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