Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 24:23

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 24:23 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 24:23. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book Joshua, God wants the people to stop following pretend gods and instead love and listen to Him. He asks them to be loyal and keep their hearts open to Him, the one true God.

Joshua 24:23: Now therefore put away, [said he], the strange gods which [are] among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.

Contradiction with Joshua 24:14

This verse asks for fear of the Lord and to serve him in sincerity and faithfulness, which might seem less direct than forsaking false gods.

Joshua 24:14: Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:3

This verse commands not having other gods, contrasting Joshua 24:23's urging to put away false gods as if they might already have them.

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

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 8:5-6

These verses acknowledge there are so-called gods, yet declare only one God in belief, which might contrast Joshua 24:23's implication that other gods might be served.

1 Corinthians 8:5-6: For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

Contradiction with 2 Kings 17:35

This verse emphasizes not fearing other gods, contrasting with the more direct command to forsake them in Joshua 24:23.

2 Kings 17:35: With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:

Contradiction with Romans 14:5

Discusses individual conviction in observance, which may contrast the communal command to forsake gods in Joshua 24:23.

Romans 14:5: One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. [fully persuaded: or, fully assured]

Paradox #1

The contradiction in Joshua 24:23 could be seen in the demand to "put away" or reject other gods. On one hand, it promotes loyalty and devotion, but on the other, it challenges principles of freedom and acceptance of diverse beliefs, potentially conflicting with modern values of religious tolerance and personal choice.

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