Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 23:1

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 23:1 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 23:1. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Joshua, God helped the people of Israel have peace from their enemies, and many years later, Joshua became very old.

Joshua 23:1: And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old [and] stricken in age. [stricken...: Heb. come into days]

Contradiction with Genesis 17:8

This verse promises the land to Abraham's descendants forever which contrasts with Joshua 23:1 where the emphasis is on rest after conquest, not uninterrupted possession.

Genesis 17:8: And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. [wherein...: Heb. of thy sojournings]

Contradiction with Exodus 23:29-30

It suggests gradual conquest over time, while Joshua 23:1 implies that a period of rest has been achieved.

Exodus 23:29-30: I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.

Contradiction with Judges 2:21-23

These verses indicate that not all nations were driven out, contradicting the implication of complete rest in Joshua 23:1.

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 2 Kings 17:18-20

This describes a period of loss of the land due to disobedience, contrary to the rest mentioned in Joshua 23:1.

2 Kings 17:18-20: Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only.

Contradiction with Psalms 44:2

Highlights struggles and displacement, which contrasts with the notion of rest in Joshua 23:1.

Psalms 44:2: [How] thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; [how] thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.
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