Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 1:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 1:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 1:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, the people are promising to listen to Joshua just like they listened to Moses, but they want to make sure that God is with Joshua just like He was with Moses. They believe that with God's help, Joshua can lead them well.

Joshua 1:17: According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.

Contradiction with Exodus 23:22

This verse commands obedience to God's voice and promises protection, which can contrast with the obligation to obey human authority as in Joshua 1:17.

Exodus 23:22: But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. [an adversary...: or, I will afflict them that afflict thee]

Contradiction with Acts 5:29

This verse emphasizes that we ought to obey God rather than men, which can contradict the directive in Joshua 1:17 to obey earthly leadership.

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

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:24

Saul admits to disobeying God to obey people's voice, showing the potential downside of the kind of obedience Joshua 1:17 encourages.

1 Samuel 15:24: And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

Contradiction with Galatians 1:10

Paul argues that pleasing humans rather than God can make one unfaithful to Christ, which can contradict Joshua 1:17's call for obedience to human leadership.

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 Matthew 23:10

Jesus advises that only Christ should be followed as a leader, which can be seen to contrast with the call in Joshua 1:17 to heed human leaders.

Matthew 23:10: Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, [even] Christ.

Paradox #1

The contradiction or conflict could arise from the expectation of absolute obedience to a leader, which might clash with personal moral or ethical beliefs. Absolute loyalty might lead someone to follow orders they feel are wrong or harmful, creating an internal conflict between obedience and personal morals.

Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.