Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 5:1

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 5:1 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 5:1. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Joshua, when the kings in the land heard how God helped the Israelites cross a big river by making it dry, they became very scared and lost their courage. They were frightened because they saw how powerful God was in helping His people.

Joshua 5:1: And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which [were] on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which [were] by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.

Contradiction with Exodus 23:27

God promises to send fear and confusion among the enemies of the Israelites, which may contradict the idea that all the kings were united in their fear and did not take immediate action.

Exodus 23:27: I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee. [backs: Heb. neck]

Contradiction with Numbers 14:9

Joshua encourages the Israelites not to fear the people of the land, while in Joshua 5:1, it is the Canaanite kings who fear the Israelites.

Numbers 14:9: Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they [are] bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us: fear them not. [defence: Heb. shadow]

Paradox #1

Some people point out a possible contradiction related to the timeline of events in the Book of Joshua compared to earlier books like Exodus. In Joshua, it talks about the fear of the Canaanite kings, despite there being many battles and struggles later, which can seem inconsistent with how easily the Israelites actually faced resistance in taking over the land. Additionally, the mention of the drying up of the Jordan River right after similar miraculous events in the Exodus story might seem repetitive or unlikely to some readers. These are considered narrative discrepancies or stylistic choices by some scholars.

← Joshua 4:24
Share
Joshua 5:2 →
Disclaimer: The content provided at PolarBible.com is for educational purposes only. Readers have the full right to agree or disagree with the interpretations and conclusions presented. We take no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken based on the information shared as Polar Verses.