Contradictions and Paradoxes in Judges 2:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Judges 2:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Judges 2:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the Book of Judges, God decided not to help the Israelites by removing the other people living in the land after Joshua died. This was to help the Israelites learn and remember to follow God's ways.

Judges 2:21: I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:

Contradiction with Judges 1:19

Judges 1:19 states that the LORD was with Judah, implying a divine support that did not drive out all inhabitants due to chariots of iron, contrasting Joshua 2:21 that implies the LORD ceased driving out any nations at all.

Judges 1:19: And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out [the inhabitants of] the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. [drave...: or, possessed the mountain]

Contradiction with Joshua 23:5

Joshua 23:5 reassures that the LORD will drive these nations out, which contradicts Judges 2:21 where God states He will no longer drive out these nations.

Joshua 23:5: And the LORD your God, he shall expel them from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and ye shall possess their land, as the LORD your God hath promised unto you.

Contradiction with Joshua 21:44

This verse indicates the LORD gave them rest and delivered their enemies into their hands, in contrast to the declaration in Judges 2:21 where the LORD will no longer drive out nations.

Joshua 21:44: And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:22

This verse explains a gradual driving out of nations, which contrasts with Judges 2:21 where it is declared that nations will not be driven out.

Deuteronomy 7:22: And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee. [put...: Heb. pluck off]

Contradiction with Exodus 23:29-30

The LORD assures of a gradual removal of nations, differing from Judges 2:21 where the LORD ceases to drive them out.

Exodus 23:29-30: I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.

Contradiction with Judges 3:1-2

Lists nations left to test Israel, which suggests a purpose rather than abandonment, unlike Judges 2:21 that states the LORD will not drive them out.

Judges 3:1-2: Now these [are] the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, [even] as many [of Israel] as had not known all the wars of Canaan;

Paradox #1

One possible contradiction in that verse could involve the idea of a just and compassionate deity allowing or causing suffering. If a loving and fair God is expected to protect and care for all people, actions or decisions that seem to encourage conflict or hardship might appear inconsistent with this nature.

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