Joshua 19:8 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the author of the book of Joshua, this verse tells us that the families of the Simeon tribe received their own special land with villages and cities. It's like when you get a big, special present just for your family.

Contradiction with Genesis 15:18

This verse promises the land from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates to Abraham's descendants, rather than just specific territories.

Genesis 15:18: 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 Deuteronomy 11:24

This verse states that Israel's territory will extend from the wilderness to Lebanon, from the Euphrates to the Mediterranean Sea.

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 Joshua 14:4

Details inheritance divisions for the tribes contradicting the tribal allocations stated later in Joshua 19:8.

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 Judges 1:21

Indicates Jerusalem was not fully captured despite Joshua's conquests of lands.

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 21:43

States that God gave all the land He had sworn to give their ancestors, fulfilling His promise in its entirety contrary to the promise in Joshua 19:8.

Joshua 21:43: And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.

Contradiction with 2 Samuel 8:3

References different boundaries reached by King David that were broader than those mentioned in Joshua.

2 Samuel 8:3: David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates. [Hadadezer: or, Hadarezer]

Contradiction with 1 Kings 4:21

Describes Solomon’s reign extending over all kingdoms from the Euphrates to Egypt, suggesting a larger ruled territory than indicated in Joshua 19:8.

1 Kings 4:21: And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.