Contradiction with Exodus 34:12
Warns against making covenants with inhabitants of the land, contrasting with the Gibeonites' covenant in Joshua 9.
Exodus 34:12: Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:2
Commands to destroy the inhabitants and make no covenant, unlike sparing 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
Directs to destroy all the Canaanite cities, conflicting with allowing the Gibeonites to live.
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 Numbers 33:55
Warns that not driving out inhabitants will cause trouble, whereas Joshua 9:21 allows Gibeonites to stay.
Numbers 33:55: But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them [shall be] pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.
Contradiction with Exodus 23:32
Forbids making treaties with the land's inhabitants, yet Joshua 9:21 honors one.
Exodus 23:32: Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 20:10-11
Pertains to cities far off, contradicting with sparing nearby Gibeonites.
Deuteronomy 20:10-11: When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction with Joshua 9:21 is the inconsistency between the command in earlier scriptures to drive out all the inhabitants of the Promised Land and the decision to allow the Gibeonites to live. This can raise questions about the Israelites' obedience to God's instructions regarding other nations.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Joshua 9:21 could relate to the themes of honesty and deceit. The verse involves an agreement made under false pretenses, which might seem at odds with other biblical teachings that emphasize truthfulness and moral integrity. However, the situation unfolds with a consideration of promises and oaths, highlighting the tension between justice and mercy, and the importance of keeping one's word despite the circumstances.
Paradox #3
Joshua 9:21 involves the Gibeonites becoming servants to the Israelites. A potential contradiction arises because earlier passages suggest the Israelites were commanded to destroy all the inhabitants of Canaan, not make treaties or allow them to become servants. This situation seems inconsistent with those commands.
Paradox #4
One possible contradiction in this verse could be about the fairness and honesty in dealing with others. The Israelites made a promise not to harm the Gibeonites, but later they made them servants. This raises questions about keeping promises and whether it is right to change the terms of an agreement, especially when using power over others.