Contradiction with Exodus 20:25
Instructs not to use any tools on the altar stones, while Joshua 8:31 mentions using whole stones without the use of tools.
Exodus 20:25: And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. [build...: Heb. build them with hewing]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 27:5-6
The stones were to be unhewn, aligning with Joshua 8:31, but it contradicts in the broader context of different sacrificial practices described elsewhere.
Deuteronomy 27:5-6: And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up [any] iron [tool] upon them.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 6:7
Describes using only finished stones for the temple, in contrast to using rough stones as indicated in Joshua 8:31.
1 Kings 6:7: And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe [nor] any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.
Paradox #1
Joshua 8:31 mentions an altar built with uncut stones, following the instructions given to Moses. The contradiction might come from different passages in the Bible that describe altars with specific or elaborate designs, which could be seen as conflicting with the concept of using uncut stones. Additionally, some might point to archeological evidence or historical records that suggest different time frames or practices not aligning with the biblical account.