Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 5:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 5:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 5:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the book of Joshua, Joshua had to circumcise the new generation because the men who left Egypt and were ready to fight had all passed away in the desert. This was part of getting the people ready for the special land God promised them.

Joshua 5:4: And this [is] the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, [that were] males, [even] all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt.

Contradiction with Exodus 12:48

This verse refers to the circumcision being necessary for foreigners to eat the Passover, implying its application to those who join Israel, contrasting Joshua 5:4's focus on the Israelites' circumcision post-exodus.

Exodus 12:48: And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.

Contradiction with Genesis 17:10-14

This passage establishes circumcision as a perpetual covenant from Abraham's time, which may seem contrarily applied given Joshua 5:4's narrative of a new implementation after the Israelites had not practiced it during their wilderness wandering.

Genesis 17:10-14: This [is] my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.

Contradiction with Exodus 12:44

Similar to Exodus 12:48, it mentions circumcision for servants bought with money, indicating a broader practice in contrast to Joshua 5:4, which focuses on recently circumcised Israelites.

Exodus 12:44: But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

Contradiction with Leviticus 12:3

This verse commands circumcision on the eighth day after birth, while Joshua 5:4 draws attention to the failure to follow this command for an entire generation.

Leviticus 12:3: And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.
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