Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:22
Joshua 18:4 involves selection for land division; Deuteronomy 1:22 mentions people initiating the selection themselves, whereas in Joshua, the initiative is directed by Joshua.
Deuteronomy 1:22: And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come.
Contradiction with Numbers 33:54
Joshua 18:4 speaks of selecting leaders, while Numbers 33:54 emphasizes casting lots for inheritance, showing a different method of land allocation.
Numbers 33:54: And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: [and] to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's [inheritance] shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit. [give the more...: Heb. multiply his inheritance] [give the less...: Heb. diminish his inheritance]
Contradiction with Judges 1:27
Joshua 18:4 involves systematic division; Judges 1:27 shows incomplete conquest and division of land, illustrating the challenges faced even after instructions were given.
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 Joshua 15:63
Joshua 18:4 describes division of land by survey, whereas Joshua 15:63 shows failure to drive out inhabitants, indicating incomplete adherence to the planned divisions.
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 13:1
Joshua 18:4 focuses on land division tasks, yet Joshua 13:1 notes Joshua being old and much land still being left to possess, highlighting an ongoing issue despite efforts described in Joshua 18:4.
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]
Contradiction with Judges 2:1
Joshua 18:4 involves directions for orderly division, but Judges 2:1-3 reflects divine response to Israel's failure to fully drive out inhabitants, showing a breakdown of the intended division.
Judges 2:1: And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. [angel: or, messenger]