Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
Joshua 8:2 involves killing, whereas Exodus 20:13 commands "Thou shalt not kill."
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Joshua 8:2 involves warfare against enemies, whereas Matthew 5:44 teaches to love your enemies.
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 Romans 12:19
Joshua 8:2 involves taking vengeance, whereas Romans 12:19 teaches that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
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.
Paradox #1
The potential theological conflict with "Joshua 8:2" could involve the ethical questions around God's command for the Israelites to attack and take spoils from Ai. Some people see a difficulty in reconciling this with other biblical teachings about peace and loving one's neighbor. Additionally, this command contrasts with earlier instructions that prohibited taking spoils from a previous battle in Jericho. This raises questions about consistency in divine commands regarding warfare and plunder.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Joshua 8:2 could be seen in the context of war and the taking of spoils. It may seem inconsistent with other teachings in the Bible that promote peace, mercy, and the love of enemies. This raises questions about the ethics of war and the treatment of conquered peoples and their possessions.