Contradiction with Matthew 5:39
Joshua 8:8 depicts destruction and violence, while Matthew 5:39 teaches non-violence and turning the other cheek.
Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Joshua 8:8 involves taking vengeance, whereas Romans 12:19 instructs believers to leave vengeance to God.
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
Joshua 8:8 details an act of killing, contradicting Exodus 20:13, which commands, "Thou shalt not kill."
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
Joshua 8:8 involves war, while Isaiah 2:4 speaks of turning swords into plowshares and not learning war anymore.
Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Contradiction with Matthew 26:52
Joshua 8:8 endorses the use of the sword, in contrast to Matthew 26:52, which warns that those who live by the sword shall die by the sword.
Matthew 26:52: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
Paradox #1
The moral conflict in this verse might stem from the directive to destroy a city, which can raise questions about the morality of violence and warfare. Such actions may seem contradictory to values of peace and forgiveness.