Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 5:6

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 5:6 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 5:6. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, Joshua, the Israelites walked in the desert for forty years because the grown-ups who left Egypt did not listen to God. God promised a wonderful land, but those grown-ups couldn't go there because they didn't obey Him.

Joshua 5:6: For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people [that were] men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: unto whom the LORD sware that he would not shew them the land, which the LORD sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey.

Contradiction with Numbers 14:30

This verse states that Caleb and Joshua will enter the promised land, while Joshua 5:6 speaks about the Israelites wandering and not entering due to disobedience.

Numbers 14:30: Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, [concerning] which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. [sware: Heb. lifted up my hand]

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:39

This verse mentions that the children of the Israelites, who were to suffer according to their parents, will enter the land, contrasting the denial implied in Joshua 5:6.

Deuteronomy 1:39: Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.

Contradiction with Hebrews 3:18-19

These verses suggest that disbelief was the reason for not entering the rest, whereas Joshua 5:6 emphasizes the years of wandering as the consequence.

Hebrews 3:18-19: And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

Paradox #1

The contradiction related to this verse could be the timeline of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. According to some interpretations, the verse suggests that the Israelites wandered for 40 years, which conflicts with other biblical passages and historical analysis regarding the actual time and events during their journey. Some scholars point out these differences when trying to align biblical accounts with historical evidence.

Paradox #2

Joshua 5:6 highlights how the Israelites, who were freed from slavery in Egypt, wandered for 40 years in the desert until a disobedient generation died out, and a new one rose to enter the Promised Land. The contradiction might be seen in the punishment of the entire group for the sins of some, raising questions about collective punishment and individual responsibility.

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