Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 3:13

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 3:13 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 3:13. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Joshua, when the priests carrying God's special box step into the Jordan River, God will make the water stop flowing and stand up like a wall. This shows that God is very powerful and helps His people do hard things.

Joshua 3:13: And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, [that] the waters of Jordan shall be cut off [from] the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.

Contradiction with Isaiah 43:16

This verse refers to God making a path through the sea, while Joshua 3:13 involves stopping a river, showing a different method of divine intervention.

Isaiah 43:16: Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;

Contradiction with Exodus 14:21

This verse describes parting the Red Sea with Moses stretching out his hand, whereas in Joshua 3:13, the waters stop with the feet of the priests touching the water.

Exodus 14:21: And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.

Contradiction with 2 Kings 2:8

Elijah divides the Jordan River by striking it with his mantle, in contrast to Joshua 3:13, where the waters are stopped by the Ark of the Covenant.

2 Kings 2:8: And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped [it] together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

Paradox #1

The potential contradiction in that verse is related to the description of the Jordan River stopping its flow and piling up to allow the Israelites to cross. Scientifically, rivers do not naturally stop or pile up, as water typically flows continuously due to gravity unless obstructed by a physical barrier or dam. This event is described as a miracle, which by definition, falls outside the explanation of natural laws and scientific understanding.

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