Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 6:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 6:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 6:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Joshua, God told Joshua and the people to shout and blow trumpets, and when they did, the big walls around the city fell down. This showed that God helped them win and take over the city.

Joshua 6:20: So the people shouted when [the priests] blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. [flat: Heb. under it]

Contradiction with Exodus 20:13

Joshua 6:20 leads to the destruction and death of inhabitants, contradicting the commandment "Thou shalt not kill."

Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Joshua 6:20 involves attacking enemies, while this verse instructs to "love your enemies."

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Romans 12:17

Joshua 6:20 depicts avenging an enemy, while this verse advises not to "Recompense to no man evil for evil."

Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4

Joshua 6:20 involves warfare, whereas this verse speaks of turning swords into plowshares and not learning war anymore.

Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]

Contradiction with Matthew 26:52

Joshua 6:20 involves taking up arms for war, while this verse warns that "all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword."

Matthew 26:52: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

Contradiction with Luke 6:27

Joshua 6:20 includes actions against enemies, whereas this verse endorses doing good to those who hate you.

Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Paradox #1

The idea that simply shouting and blowing trumpets could bring down the walls of a fortified city contradicts principles of physics and engineering, as such a method lacks the necessary force to cause structural collapse.

Paradox #2

The contradiction in Joshua 6:20 could be seen as the acceptance and execution of violence to achieve divine goals. The Bible often promotes messages of peace and love, but this verse involves destruction as a means to fulfill God's promise. This might seem inconsistent to some readers who are concerned about the morality of using violence for achieving purposes that are considered righteous.

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