Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 23:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 23:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 23:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Joshua, if you break God's rules and start following other gods, God will become very angry and you might lose the good things He has given you. It's like when you don't listen to your parents, and then you might lose your favorite toys or privileges.

Joshua 23:16: When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.

Contradiction with Exodus 34:6-7

These verses emphasize God's mercy and forgiveness, contrasting with the punishment described for forsaking the covenant in Joshua 23:16.

Exodus 34:6-7: And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Encourages love and prayer for enemies, contradicting the notion of divine punishment for forsaking God in Joshua 23:16.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:21-22

States that if the wicked turn away from their sins, they will live and not be punished, contrasting the irreversible punishment in Joshua 23:16.

Ezekiel 18:21-22: But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Contradiction with Jonah 3:10

Illustrates God’s willingness to relent from disaster when people repent, contrasting with the certainty of punishment in Joshua 23:16.

Jonah 3:10: And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.

Contradiction with 1 John 4:8

Describes God as love, which contrasts with the retribution mentioned in Joshua 23:16.

1 John 4:8: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Contradiction with Psalm 103:8-10

Highlights God's mercy and not dealing with us according to our sins, differing from the retribution described in Joshua 23:16.

Psalm 103:8-10: The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. [plentious...: Heb. great in mercy]

Paradox #1

The contradiction in Joshua 23:16 could be seen as the idea of a loving and merciful God allowing or causing harm to those who disobey or turn away from Him. This can seem inconsistent with the concept of unconditional love and forgiveness.

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