Contradiction with Joshua 18:7
This verse states that the Levites have no share in the land, serving as priests, which contrasts with Dan's role as the rear guard, emphasizing different responsibilities and divisions among tribes, not mechanically contradictory but highlighting a textual inconsistency in roles.
Joshua 18:7: But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the LORD [is] their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh, have received their inheritance beyond Jordan on the east, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave them.
Contradiction with Judges 5:17
Dan is mentioned as staying in ships during a period of conflict, contrasting with their role as rear guard during travel, indicating possible inconsistencies in their role or actions during different times.
Judges 5:17: Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches. [shore: or, port] [breaches: or, creeks]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 33:22
Dan is referred to as a lion's whelp in Moses' blessings, suggesting a more aggressive or frontward role rather than a protective rear guard position, implying a contrasting characterization.
Deuteronomy 33:22: And of Dan he said, Dan [is] a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 12:35
Lists Dan among the tribes providing warriors for David, potentially implying a role that's more martial at the forefront compared to the passive position as rear guard in Numbers.
1 Chronicles 12:35: And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.
Contradiction with Genesis 49:16-17
Jacob's blessing describes Dan as a judge or a serpent, contrasting with their supporting, traveling role as a rear guard, suggesting differing symbolic roles for Dan.
Genesis 49:16-17: Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.
Contradiction with Judges 18:1-2
Indicates Dan was seeking territory to live in, different from their established role in Numbers as part of a structured journey, suggesting perceived inconsistencies in tribal status or establishment.
Judges 18:1-2: In those days [there was] no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day [all their] inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel.