Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 1:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 1:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 1:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Joshua, the people promised Joshua that they would listen to him and follow wherever he leads them. They showed they trusted him and would do what he said.

Joshua 1:16: And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.

Contradiction with Matthew 6:24

This verse suggests that one cannot serve two masters, contradicting Joshua 1:16 by implying divided allegiance.

Matthew 6:24: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Contradiction with Acts 5:29

This verse emphasizes obeying God rather than men, in contrast to Joshua 1:16 where allegiance is pledged to Joshua.

Acts 5:29: Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 8:7

This verse indicates a rejection of earthly leadership in favor of divine rule, contradicting the obedience to Joshua shown in Joshua 1:16.

1 Samuel 8:7: And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

Contradiction with Galatians 1:10

This verse questions seeking human approval over God's, contrasting with Joshua 1:16’s human allegiance.

Galatians 1:10: For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:3

This verse decrees having no other gods, indirectly opposing the level of obedience to a human leader as in Joshua 1:16.

Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Paradox #1

The contradiction or inconsistency in Joshua 1:16 could be the emphasis on absolute obedience to authority. While following leaders and rules is important, it could conflict with the idea that individual moral judgment and questioning authority are also valuable. This might raise questions about when it is morally right to obey versus when it is important to stand up for one's own beliefs or ethical principles.

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