Contradiction with 1 Kings 16:34
This verse records the fulfillment of Joshua's curse more than five centuries later when Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho, losing his sons in the process, thus contradicting the idea that the curse was eternally binding or that it could deter individuals from defying it.
1 Kings 16:34: In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest [son] Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.
Paradox #1
Joshua 6:26 could be seen as problematic because it involves a curse pronounced by Joshua that seems harsh and punitive, predicting severe consequences for anyone who rebuilds the city of Jericho. This can be seen as inconsistent with the themes of forgiveness and redemption found elsewhere in the Bible. Additionally, it raises questions about free will and God’s justice, as a future event is linked to inevitable suffering.
Paradox #2
The contradiction lies in the fulfillment of the curse. The verse mentions a curse against anyone who would rebuild Jericho. Later in the Bible, specifically in 1 Kings 16:34, it is stated that during King Ahab's time, a man named Hiel rebuilt Jericho, suffering the tragedy foretold in the curse. Some people see this as inconsistent because Jericho's existence continued, and earlier texts mention it being inhabited. It raises questions about the continuity and archaeological evidence of Jericho's destruction and rebuilding sequence in history.
Paradox #3
The potential scientific conflict with this verse arises from the curse said to affect anyone who rebuilds the city of Jericho, implying a supernatural influence over human actions and outcomes. From a scientific perspective, events in the natural world are explained by natural laws rather than supernatural influences. Hence, the notion of a curse causing specific negative outcomes contradicts scientific explanations based on cause and effect.
Paradox #4
Joshua 6:26 presents a contradiction by showing a curse pronounced on anyone who rebuilds Jericho, which suggests inflicting suffering on future generations for actions they may not control. This contradicts ideas of mercy and forgiveness present in other Bible teachings.
Paradox #5
Joshua 6:26 presents a curse that predicted the cost to rebuild the city of Jericho, saying that the person who does so would lose his oldest and youngest sons during the process. This prophecy creates a contradiction or conflict with 1 Kings 16:34, where it is stated that a man named Hiel rebuilt Jericho and lost his sons, fulfilling this curse. The contradiction arises in determining whether such a prophecy is a historical forecast or if the events were written to fit the prophecy. Some people see it as a genuine fulfillment, while others question its historical accuracy or timing.