Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 21:1

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 21:1 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 21:1. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Joshua, the leaders of the Levite families went to talk to Eleazar the priest and Joshua, to ask for help. They wanted to get the places to live that God had promised them.

Joshua 21:1: Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;

Contradiction with Joshua 13:14

Joshua 21:1 describes the giving of cities to the Levites, whereas Joshua 13:14 states that the Levites received no inheritance among the Israelites, only the offerings made by fire to the LORD.

Joshua 13:14: Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire [are] their inheritance, as he said unto them.

Contradiction with Joshua 21:43-45

Joshua 21:1 implies a distribution not fully realized yet, while later verses affirm that the LORD had given all the land and rest to Israel, fulfilling His promises completely.

Joshua 21:43-45: 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 Deuteronomy 18:1-2

Joshua 21:1 discusses the allocation of cities to Levites, while Deuteronomy 18:1-2 states Levites have no inheritance, only the LORD as their inheritance.

Deuteronomy 18:1-2: The priests the Levites, [and] all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance.

Contradiction with Numbers 18:20-24

Joshua 21:1 arranges for Levite cities, contrasting with Numbers 18:20-24 which claims Levites have no share in the land, only tithes as inheritance.

Numbers 18:20-24: And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I [am] thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.
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