Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 8:12

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 8:12 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 8:12. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Joshua, this part of the story shows how Joshua was smart and made a clever plan to surprise the people in the city. He hid some soldiers where the enemy couldn’t see them, so they could help win the battle.

Joshua 8:12: And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city. [of...: or, of Ai]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:3

This verse commands the complete destruction of the Amalekites and all that they have, which contrasts with the strategic and selective ambush approach used in Joshua 8:12.

1 Samuel 15:3: Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

This verse instructs to love your enemies, which contradicts the military tactics used in Joshua 8:12.

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

This verse states "Thou shalt not kill," which is in direct opposition to the act of warfare described in Joshua 8:12.

Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.

Contradiction with Romans 12:19

This verse says to leave vengeance to God, contradicting the proactive military ambush in Joshua 8:12.

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 24:29

It advises against repaying evil, which contrasts with the revenge-driven battle strategy in Joshua 8:12.

Proverbs 24:29: Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
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