Contradiction with Judges 1:19
This verse states that the Israelites could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley because they had chariots of iron, which implies incomplete conquest, contradicting the notion of total land possession in Joshua 21:43.
Judges 1:19: And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out [the inhabitants of] the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. [drave...: or, possessed the mountain]
Contradiction with Judges 2:21-23
These verses indicate God allowed some nations to remain to test Israel, contradicting the complete possession of land described in Joshua 21:43.
Judges 2:21-23: I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:
Contradiction with Joshua 13:1
This verse remarks that there remained very much land to be possessed, implying not all land was taken, contradicting the claim of Joshua 21:43.
Joshua 13:1: Now Joshua was old [and] stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old [and] stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. [to...: Heb. to possess it]
Contradiction with Judges 3:1-5
These verses list nations left to test Israel, suggesting that not all enemies were driven out, contradicting Joshua 21:43's notion of full land possession.
Judges 3:1-5: Now these [are] the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, [even] as many [of Israel] as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction with Joshua 21:43 because it mentions that God gave Israel all the land He promised, suggesting complete fulfillment. However, other parts of the Bible, like Judges, show that not all the land was fully controlled or that the Israelites continued to face battles. This raises questions about whether the promise was entirely completed at that point.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction with that verse is related to the complete occupation of the land. While this verse suggests that the Israelites took full control of the land, other parts of the Bible indicate that certain areas and cities remained unconquered or the original inhabitants were not entirely driven out. This inconsistency raises questions about the totality and timing of the conquest.