Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 7:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 7:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 7:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the book of Joshua, the soldiers told Joshua that they only needed a few men to fight because there weren’t many enemies. They thought it would be easy, and not everyone needed to work hard to win.

Joshua 7:3: And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; [and] make not all the people to labour thither; for they [are but] few. [about...: Heb. about two thousand men, or, about three thousand men]

Contradiction with Proverbs 21:31

This verse states that safety is of the Lord, suggesting that victory depends on God's will, not the size of the army as implied by relying on just a few men in Joshua 7:3.

Proverbs 21:31: The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD. [safety: or, victory]

Contradiction with Psalm 44:6

This verse declares trust should not be in one's own weapons or strength, contrasting with the confidence placed in a smaller force in Joshua 7:3.

Psalm 44:6: For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

Contradiction with Zechariah 4:6

Emphasizes that success is by God's Spirit, not by might or power, which contradicts the reliance on a specific number of men for victory in Joshua 7:3.

Zechariah 4:6: Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. [might: or, army]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 17:47

Suggests battles are the Lord's and are won by His power, not by numbers or physical might, in contrast to the confidence in a small troop in Joshua 7:3.

1 Samuel 17:47: And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:5

Warns against placing trust in human strength or effort, which contradicts the reliance on a few men to win a battle in Joshua 7:3.

Jeremiah 17:5: Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
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