Contradiction with Exodus 23:32
This verse contradicts Joshua 9:18 because it instructs the Israelites not to make covenants with the inhabitants of the land, whereas in Joshua 9:18, the Israelites had sworn peace to the Gibeonites.
Exodus 23:32: Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:2
This verse contradicts Joshua 9:18 as it commands the Israelites to utterly destroy the people of the land and not show mercy or make covenants with them, yet Joshua 9:18 describes a sworn oath to spare the Gibeonites.
Deuteronomy 7:2: And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 20:16-17
This verse contradicts Joshua 9:18 by commanding the Israelites to not leave alive anything that breathes in the cities of the nations, which opposes the sparing of the Gibeonites in Joshua 9:18.
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 Judges 2:2-3
This verse contradicts Joshua 9:18 because it highlights Israel's failure and warns of consequences for not breaking treaties, in contrast to the sworn oath to the Gibeonites in Joshua 9:18.
Judges 2:2-3: And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?
Contradiction with Numbers 30:2
This verse contradicts Joshua 9:18 by emphasizing the importance of keeping oaths made to the Lord, which can be seen as contradicted by the deceptive nature of the Gibeonites' oath in Joshua 9:18.
Numbers 30:2: If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. [break: Heb. profane]
Paradox #1
The contradiction in "Joshua 9:18" could relate to the tension between the Israelites' obligation to God's command to conquer the land and the peace treaty they made with the Gibeonites under false pretenses. This raises questions about the balance between divine commands and human actions, as well as issues around deception and agreements made under false pretenses.
Paradox #2
The potential doctrinal conflict with Joshua 9:18 relates to the theme of making oaths or promises. In this context, the issue is about swearing an oath without seeking divine guidance or fully understanding the situation. The contradiction arises from the expectation to always consult God before making important decisions, yet the Israelites in this instance honored an oath made under deception, which seems to contrast with the need for truth and honesty.This highlights a tension between the importance of keeping one's word and the necessity of seeking God's will before making commitments.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this verse can be seen in the tension between keeping an oath and dealing with deception. The Israelites had made an oath to the Gibeonites, but they later discovered that the Gibeonites had tricked them. The conflict arises from the obligation to uphold their promise despite being deceived, which challenges the idea of fairness and justice.