Contradictions and Paradoxes in Joshua 9:6

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Joshua 9:6 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Joshua 9:6. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Joshua, the people who came to Joshua pretended to be from a faraway place because they wanted to be friends with the Israelites and have a safe agreement. They were worried that Joshua might otherwise want to fight them, so they asked for peace.

Joshua 9:6: And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us.

Contradiction with Proverbs 12:22

This verse condemns lying, stating "Lying lips are abomination to the LORD," while in Joshua 9:6, the Gibeonites deceive Joshua and the Israelites.

Proverbs 12:22: Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight.

Contradiction with Romans 3:7-8

These verses question if it is acceptable to do evil for a good outcome, suggesting deception is wrong regardless of the intent, contradicting the deceptive approach in Joshua 9:6.

Romans 3:7-8: For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

Contradiction with Ephesians 4:25

This verse emphasizes speaking truth, "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour," in contrast to the deceit practiced by the Gibeonites in Joshua 9:6.

Ephesians 4:25: Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Contradiction with Exodus 20:16

The commandment, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour," contradicts the Gibeonites' lie to Joshua in Joshua 9:6.

Exodus 20:16: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Contradiction with Colossians 3:9

Advises, "Lie not one to another," which directly contradicts the deceitful actions described in Joshua 9:6.

Colossians 3:9: Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Paradox #1

The contradiction in Joshua 9:6 could be the issue of deceit. The verse is part of a story where the Gibeonites deceive the Israelites into making a peace treaty by pretending to be from a distant land. This raises questions about the morality of using deception to achieve a peaceful outcome. While the treaty brings peace and saves lives, it is based on a lie, leading to a conflict between honesty and the desire for peace.

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