Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 18:11

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 18:11 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 18:11. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Joshua, this verse means that the land was shared out to the family of Benjamin, just like in a fair game where everyone takes turns picking. Their new home was between the places where the families of Judah and Joseph lived.

Joshua 18:11: And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.

Contradiction with Numbers 32:33

This verse explains the inheritance given to Reuben, Gad, and half-tribe of Manasseh on the other side of Jordan, contrasting with Joshua 18:11, which begins the division of land among tribes on the West side.

Numbers 32:33: And Moses gave unto them, [even] to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, [even] the cities of the country round about.

Contradiction with Judges 1:21

States that the Jebusites were not driven out of Jerusalem, whereas Joshua 18:11 implies that territories including such challenges were being distributed and settled.

Judges 1:21: And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.

Contradiction with Joshua 13:1-7

Lists territories yet to be conquered, contradicting the division of land in Joshua 18:11 as if all were settled and conquered.

Joshua 13:1-7: 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]

Contradiction with Joshua 15:63

Mentions Judah’s inability to drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem, contradicting the idea of complete settlement in Joshua 18:11.

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.

Contradiction with Joshua 19:47

The tribe of Dan could not secure their territory and sought another land, contrasting with the orderliness of inheritance described in Joshua 18:11.

Joshua 19:47: And the coast of the children of Dan went out [too little] for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.
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