Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 7:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 7:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 7:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Christian understanding, the story about Achan teaches that taking things that don't belong to you, even if they look nice and shiny, is wrong and can cause trouble. It's important to be honest and not hide your mistakes.

Joshua 7:21: When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they [are] hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it. [wedge: Heb. tongue]

Contradiction with Exodus 20:17

This verse instructs not to covet anything that belongs to a neighbor, while Joshua 7:21 describes Achan coveting and taking spoils.

Exodus 20:17: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbour's.

Contradiction with Colossians 3:5

This verse teaches to put to death covetousness, whereas Joshua 7:21 depicts Achan succumbing to covetous desires.

Colossians 3:5: Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Contradiction with Proverbs 28:20

This verse states a faithful man shall abound with blessings, but a man seeking to get rich quickly will not escape punishment, contrasting with Achan's actions in Joshua 7:21 that led to his punishment.

Proverbs 28:20: A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. [innocent: or, unpunished]

Contradiction with Matthew 6:19-20

This verse advises against storing earthly treasures, whereas Joshua 7:21 describes Achan hiding treasures for himself.

Matthew 6:19-20: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:9-10

This verse warns against falling into temptation and harmful desires due to the love of money, which contrasts with Achan's transgression described in Joshua 7:21.

1 Timothy 6:9-10: But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

Paradox #1

The contradiction might be related to the mention of a specific type of currency or material that did not exist at the purported time of the events described. Such anachronisms can raise questions about the historical accuracy of the narrative.

Paradox #2

The moral conflict in Joshua 7:21 lies in the idea of temptation and disobedience. It highlights the struggle between wanting material possessions and following divine commandments. This illustrates the human tendency to prioritize personal desires over moral or spiritual obligations, even when aware of the consequences.

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