Contradiction with Joshua 6:24
Joshua 6:24 describes the complete burning of Jericho, similar to Ai, but Ai's king was hanged, contrasting the specific fates of the cities and their leaders.
Joshua 6:24: And they burnt the city with fire, and all that [was] therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 20:16-17
In Deuteronomy, cities that are far away can be spared of destruction, contradicting the complete destruction commanded and enacted upon Ai as portrayed in Joshua 8:28.
Deuteronomy 20:16-17: But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee [for] an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:
Contradiction with Genesis 18:23-24
Abraham's plea for Sodom if there are righteous people present contrasts with Ai's complete destruction regardless of potential innocents.
Genesis 18:23-24: And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Contradiction with 2 Kings 23:20
This verse describes a king defiling altars and slaughtering false priests instead of destroying an entire city, contrasting the specific approach to dealing with threats compared to Joshua 8:28.
2 Kings 23:20: And he slew all the priests of the high places that [were] there upon the altars, and burned men's bones upon them, and returned to Jerusalem. [slew: or, sacrificed]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Jesus' teaching to love your enemies contradicts the total annihilation of Ai, which includes killing all its inhabitants.
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;
Paradox #1
The contradiction in this context could be the conflict between the act of total destruction commanded in the verse and modern ethical views on mercy and the value of all human life. This raises questions about justice and compassion.