Contradictions and Paradoxes in Judges 11:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Judges 11:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Judges 11:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Judges, this verse tells about the journey of the Israelites who, after leaving Egypt, traveled through the desert to reach a place called Kadesh. It's like a story of a long trip the Israelites took a long time ago after they got away from Egypt.

Judges 11:16: But when Israel came up from Egypt, and walked through the wilderness unto the Red sea, and came to Kadesh;

Contradiction with Numbers 20:14-21

This passage states that the Israelites were denied passage through Edom, seeming to contradict Judges 11:16, which suggests a passage through the land.

Numbers 20:14-21: And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us: [befallen...: Heb. found us]

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 2:29

This verse implies peaceful passage through the land of Edom, which contrasts with Judges 11:16's implications of conflict.

Deuteronomy 2:29: (As the children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and the Moabites which dwell in Ar, did unto me;) until I shall pass over Jordan into the land which the LORD our God giveth us.

Contradiction with Numbers 21:4

While Judges 11:16 suggests a specific route the Israelites took avoiding Edom, this verse implies travel alterations due to Edomite resistance, highlighting different travel narratives.

Numbers 21:4: And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. [discouraged: or, grieved: Heb. shortened]

Contradiction with Exodus 14:29

Contradicts the premise of a long desert wander due to immediate passage through the Red Sea, rather than around territories like Edom.

Exodus 14:29: But the children of Israel walked upon dry [land] in the midst of the sea; and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Contradiction with Numbers 21:10-13

Describes different encampments contradicting the route described in Judges 11:16 which implies a more direct journey.

Numbers 21:10-13: And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in Oboth.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 2:4-6

Indicates that God instructed the Israelites not to provoke Edom, which may not align with the confrontational context implied in Judges 11:16.

Deuteronomy 2:4-6: And command thou the people, saying, Ye [are] to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:

Contradiction with Numbers 33:36-37

Lists a detailed journey through stations after leaving Mount Hor, contrasting the linear progression described in Judges 11:16.

Numbers 33:36-37: And they removed from Eziongaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which [is] Kadesh.

Contradiction with Judges 11:18

This verse clarifies the route through the wilderness, which could seem contradictory due to additional details not aligning with Judges 11:16's implication of Edom passage.

Judges 11:18: Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon [was] the border of Moab.

Contradiction with Numbers 14:25

Suggests a direction for travel toward the Red Sea, not through Edomite territory, differing from the implication in Judges 11:16 of traveling near Edom.

Numbers 14:25: (Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 2:8-9

God commands not to disturb Moab (in conjunction with Edom), presenting a route narrative differing from Judges 11:16's historical account of land paths.

Deuteronomy 2:8-9: And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

Paradox #1

There is a contradiction in the account of Israel's journey described in Judges 11:16 compared to the journey's description in other biblical texts like Numbers and Deuteronomy. The timeline and route details seem inconsistent when comparing these accounts, leading to confusion about the exact path taken by the Israelites. This suggests variations in how different texts recount the events of Israel’s wanderings.

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