Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 17:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 17:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 17:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Joshua, Joshua tells the people from the family of Joseph, which includes Ephraim and Manasseh, that they are strong and powerful. He says they will get more land because they are big and capable.

Joshua 17:17: And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, [even] to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou [art] a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot [only]:

Contradiction with Numbers 13:31

This verse contradicts Joshua 17:17 by showing a lack of confidence in Israel's ability to conquer the land, compared to Joshua's encouragement of strength and capability.

Numbers 13:31: But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they [are] stronger than we.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:28

The people express fear and doubt about their ability to occupy the land, opposing Joshua’s notion of empowerment in Joshua 17:17.

Deuteronomy 1:28: Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people [is] greater and taller than we; the cities [are] great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. [discouraged: Heb. melted]

Contradiction with Judges 1:19

Describes Judah's inability to drive out the inhabitants of the plain due to their iron chariots, conflicting with Joshua's assertion of capability over greater challenges.

Judges 1:19: And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out [the inhabitants of] the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. [drave...: or, possessed the mountain]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 17:33

Saul tells David he cannot fight Goliath, mirroring disbelief in one's own capability, while Joshua asserts they are strong enough.

1 Samuel 17:33: And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou [art but] a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

Contradiction with Numbers 14:3

The Israelites fear being unable to conquer the Promised Land, contrasting Joshua's assurance of their strength and ability in Joshua 17:17.

Numbers 14:3: And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?
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