Contradictions and Paradoxes in Nehemiah 7:26

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Nehemiah 7:26 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Nehemiah 7:26. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, Nehemiah, this verse tells us about a group of 188 people from the towns of Bethlehem and Netophah. It reminds Christians that every person counted and recorded is important to God's big family and story.

Nehemiah 7:26: The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.

Contradiction with Genesis 11:9

Nehemiah 7:26 lists people from Bethel and Ai, locations existing post-flood, while Genesis 11:9 describes the scattering of people from Babel, which seems contradictory to re-settling specific locations so soon.

Genesis 11:9: Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. [Babel: that is, Confusion]

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 13:19

Nehemiah 7:26 implies settled and equipped people, while 1 Samuel 13:19 mentions there was no blacksmith in Israel, contradicting the presence of developed towns.

1 Samuel 13:19: Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make [them] swords or spears:

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 28:62

Nehemiah 7:26 lists a large number of returning exiles, whereas Deuteronomy 28:62 warns that few will be left if they disobey God, seeming contradictory regarding the remnant.

Deuteronomy 28:62: And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God.

Contradiction with Joshua 8:28

Nehemiah 7:26 references Bethel and Ai inhabitants, but Joshua 8:28 states Ai was a heap forever, contradicting their existence as thriving towns.

Joshua 8:28: And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, [even] a desolation unto this day.

Contradiction with Judges 21:25

Nehemiah 7:26 lists orderly returnees, while Judges 21:25 describes a time of chaos and lawlessness, which seems incompatible with organized civic lists.

Judges 21:25: In those days [there was] no king in Israel: every man did [that which was] right in his own eyes.
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