Contradiction with Matthew 5:39
This verse advises turning the other cheek rather than retaliating or taking punitive action.
Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Contradiction with Romans 12:17
This verse instructs to never repay evil with evil, advocating for peace instead.
Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
This verse states that a son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, implying individual responsibility for sin.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Proverbs 19:11
This verse suggests that discretion and holding back anger is virtuous, contradicting swift punishment.
Proverbs 19:11: The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and [it is] his glory to pass over a transgression. [discretion: or, prudence]
Contradiction with James 2:13
This verse emphasizes mercy over judgment, contradicting the severe punishment in Joshua 7:24.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Contradiction with John 8:7
Urges those without sin to cast the first stone, contradicting punitive judgment by those who are not sinless.
John 8:7: So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Contradiction with Micah 6:8
Calls for doing justly and loving mercy, highlighting mercy that contradicts the judgment in Joshua 7:24.
Micah 6:8: He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? [walk...: Heb. humble thyself to walk]
Paradox #1
Joshua 7:24 could raise a theological concern regarding collective punishment. In this verse, not only is the person who sinned punished, but his entire family as well, which might seem unfair or conflicting with later teachings that emphasize individual responsibility for sin, like in Ezekiel 18:20. This can create a tension between the notions of justice and mercy.
Paradox #2
**Contradiction or Inconsistency**: Some readers point out an inconsistency between Joshua 7:24 and earlier instructions in the Israelite laws, specifically in Deuteronomy, regarding collective punishment. Deuteronomy 24:16 advises that children should not be punished for their parents' sins, yet in Joshua 7:24, Achan's entire family is punished for his wrongdoing. This appears to contradict the Deuteronomy directive.**Conflict Resolution**: Some interpretations suggest that Achan's family might have been complicit in his actions, or it was a different cultural context where collective responsibility was more accepted, but these explanations aren't stated explicitly in the text.
Paradox #3
Joshua 7:24 can be seen to demonstrate a moral conflict related to collective punishment. In this verse, an entire family and all their possessions are punished for the sin of one individual. This raises questions about fairness and justice, as it conflicts with the idea that each person should be responsible for their own actions rather than being punished for the actions of others.