Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 8:24

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 8:24 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 8:24. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, Joshua, the people of Israel chased and fought the people of Ai until there was nobody left. After they won the fight, they went back to the city of Ai and finished fighting there, too.

Joshua 8:24: And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Teaches to love your enemies, whereas Joshua 8:24 describes the complete destruction of 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

Advises against taking vengeance, while Joshua 8:24 details executing God’s wrath on Ai.

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 Exodus 20:13

Commands "Thou shalt not kill," yet Joshua 8:24 narrates a mass killing.

Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.

Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21-22

Encourages feeding your enemy when he is hungry, contrasting with the total destruction in Joshua 8:24.

Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Contradiction with Jonah 3:10

Shows God’s mercy in sparing Nineveh when they repented, unlike the destruction of Ai in Joshua 8:24.

Jonah 3:10: And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.

Paradox #1

The contradiction in this verse might be the conflict between the act of violence described and the broader religious teachings about love and mercy. This can cause tension when trying to reconcile actions of war and destruction with themes of compassion and forgiveness found elsewhere in religious texts.

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