Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
"Thou shalt not kill." — This verse establishes a commandment against killing, which contrasts with the provision in Joshua 20:3 for those who have killed accidentally.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Numbers 35:30
"Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses..." — This verse demands the death penalty for killing, conflicting with the refuge for accidental killers in Joshua 20:3.
Numbers 35:30: Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person [to cause him] to die.
Contradiction with Exodus 21:14
"But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die." — This verse prescribes severe punishment for premeditated killing, unlike the sanctuary concept in Joshua 20:3.
Exodus 21:14: But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 19:21
"And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." — This verse advocates for strict punitive justice, differing from Joshua 20:3’s refuge for manslaughter without malice.
Deuteronomy 19:21: And thine eye shall not pity; [but] life [shall go] for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Contradiction with Genesis 9:6
"Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man." — This verse prescribes retributive justice for taking life, which is contrary to the protection offered in Joshua 20:3.
Genesis 9:6: Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
Paradox #1
The potential theological conflict with Joshua 20:3 may arise from the concept of designated cities of refuge for those who commit unintentional manslaughter. Some might see a contradiction in balancing justice with mercy, as these cities allowed someone who accidentally killed another person to avoid retribution from the victim's family. This raises questions about the fairness of allowing refuge and protection for someone who has taken a life, even unintentionally, and how that aligns with justice for the bereaved. However, this reflects a broader biblical principle of mercy and protection for those not intending harm.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in the concept of providing refuge for someone who has killed another unintentionally. On one hand, this offers protection and mercy to someone who did not intend to harm. On the other hand, it might be seen as not fully holding someone accountable for their actions, as a life was still taken. This balance between justice and mercy can be viewed as conflicting moral principles.