Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches to love your enemies, contradicting the destruction in Joshua 6:21.
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 Exodus 20:13
The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" opposes the violence in Joshua 6:21.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:32
God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone, contrasting Joshua 6:21's actions.
Ezekiel 18:32: For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye. [yourselves: or, others]
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
"Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord," conflicting with human-led destruction in Joshua 6:21.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17
Advises not to rejoice when your enemy falls, opposing the triumph in Joshua 6:21.
Proverbs 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with Luke 6:31
"Do to others as you would have them do to you," contradicts the total destruction in Joshua 6:21.
Luke 6:31: And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Contradiction with Proverbs 12:20
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil, but to the counsellors of peace is joy, opposing the actions of Joshua 6:21.
Proverbs 12:20: Deceit [is] in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace [is] joy.
Contradiction with James 2:13
"For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy," contradictory to the merciless act in Joshua 6:21.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction or conflict in this verse because it describes actions that seem inconsistent with the idea of a loving and merciful God. The verse talks about destruction, which can raise questions about how such actions align with the teachings of compassion and forgiveness found elsewhere in the Bible.
Paradox #2
Joshua 6:21 describes the total destruction of a city and its inhabitants, which can be seen as inconsistent with the Bible's teachings about love, mercy, and the sanctity of life found in other parts of the scripture. This creates a tension between the command to destroy and other biblical principles that emphasize compassion and forgiveness.
Paradox #3
Joshua 6:21 describes the complete destruction of Jericho, including all its inhabitants. The contradiction arises because archaeological evidence at Jericho does not clearly support such a destruction at the time traditionally associated with Joshua. Some excavations suggest that Jericho was not a significant city or was even uninhabited during that period, leading to questions about the historical accuracy of the biblical account.
Paradox #4
The scientific conflict could lie in the historical and archaeological evidence concerning the events described. While some religious texts describe large-scale events, such as entire cities being destroyed, scientific investigations, such as archaeology, may not always find evidence that supports the events happening as described or to the extent described. This can lead to contradictions between scientific findings and religious narratives.
Paradox #5
The moral conflict in this verse arises from the destruction of entire populations, which can be seen as inconsistent with values like mercy, compassion, and the sanctity of human life. This creates a tension between ideas of justice and kindness.