Contradictions and Paradoxes in Numbers 13:23

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Numbers 13:23 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Numbers 13:23. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Moses, this story shows how the men found big and tasty fruits like grapes, pomegranates, and figs in a new land. It was meant to show everyone that the land was rich and good for growing food.

Numbers 13:23: And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and [they brought] of the pomegranates, and of the figs. [brook: or, valley]

Contradiction with Exodus 16:3

The Israelites long for Egypt, seeing it more favorably rather than a land of abundance like Canaan described in Numbers 13:23.

Exodus 16:3: And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, [and] when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

Contradiction with Numbers 14:1-4

The Israelites express distrust and fear about the land despite the bounty shown in Numbers 13:23.

Numbers 14:1-4: And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 1:28

The people express fear about the land and its inhabitants, contradicting the positive imagery of abundance in Numbers 13:23.

Deuteronomy 1:28: Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people [is] greater and taller than we; the cities [are] great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. [discouraged: Heb. melted]

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 9:1-2

The emphasis is on the strength of the inhabitants of the land, contradicting the promise of abundance as noted in Numbers 13:23.

Deuteronomy 9:1-2: Hear, O Israel: Thou [art] to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,

Contradiction with Joshua 14:8

The report of fear and discouragement from the other spies contradicts the positive depiction of the land's fruitfulness in Numbers 13:23.

Joshua 14:8: Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God.
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