Contradiction with Exodus 34:6-7
This verse emphasizes God's merciful and forgiving nature, contradicting the warning of punishment in Joshua 24:20.
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 Psalm 103:8-10
Similar to Exodus 34:6-7, it highlights God's mercy and reluctance to harbor anger, which contrasts the conditional retribution in Joshua 24:20.
Psalm 103:8-10: The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. [plentious...: Heb. great in mercy]
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:7
This verse promises abundant pardon to those who return to God, which seems at odds with the swift punishment for transgression indicated in Joshua 24:20.
Isaiah 55:7: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [the unrighteous...: Heb. the man of iniquity] [abundantly...: Heb. multiply to pardon]
Contradiction with Micah 7:18
It states God's delight in mercy and forgiveness rather than retaining anger, contrasting Joshua 24:20’s implication of punishment.
Micah 7:18: Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.
Contradiction with 1 John 1:9
This verse assures forgiveness and cleansing from sin upon confession, differing from the warning of destruction in Joshua 24:20.
1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Paradox #1
The possible contradiction in Joshua 24:20 arises from the idea that God is portrayed as forgiving and merciful in many parts of the Bible, but this verse suggests that God may abandon or harm the people if they turn away from Him. This seems inconsistent with the notion of unconditional forgiveness and love found elsewhere.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction lies in the idea that God might abandon or harm those He previously supported, despite other biblical verses emphasizing His eternal faithfulness and love for His people. This could appear inconsistent with descriptions of an unchanging and loving God.
Paradox #3
Joshua 24:20 might present a contradiction or conflict in the idea of divine forgiveness and punishment. On one hand, many teachings in the Bible emphasize God's forgiving nature, where repentance leads to forgiveness. On the other hand, this verse implies that if the people forsake God, He will turn against them, suggesting conditional forgiveness. This creates tension between the concepts of unconditional love and conditional divine retribution.