Joshua 22:16 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to the author of the book of Joshua, this verse shows that the people were upset because some other people built a special place to worship, and they thought it meant they were not listening to God anymore. They were worried this might cause big problems with God, like disobeying Him.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:3

This verse, which commands "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," can contradict the implication of idolatry in Joshua 22:16 as it accuses the Israelites of potentially building an altar for other gods.

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

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:5

This verse emphasizes worshiping God in a specific place chosen by Him, potentially contradicting the concern in Joshua 22:16 about building an unauthorized altar.

Deuteronomy 12:5: But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14

Warning against following other gods, which ties to the concern of Joshua 22:16 about possible idolatrous practices.

Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;

Contradiction with Isaiah 45:5

Declares there is no other God, potentially contradicting the perceived threat in Joshua 22:16 of apostasy through new altars.

Isaiah 45:5: I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 8:4

Discusses the non-reality of other gods, which contradicts the fear of idolatry in Joshua 22:16.

1 Corinthians 8:4: As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.

Contradiction with Acts 17:24

God does not dwell in temples made by hands, contrasting with the concern in Joshua 22:16 over building an altar for improper worship.

Acts 17:24: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Contradiction with Matthew 4:10

Jesus reaffirms the worship of God only, which conflicts with the potential idolatrous practice feared in Joshua 22:16.

Matthew 4:10: Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.