Contradiction with Genesis 49:9
Numbers 13:8 assigns the tribe of Ephraim to Oshea, but Genesis 49:9 refers to the tribe of Judah as a lion's whelp, suggesting leadership, while Ephraim's designation in Numbers is of a subordinate spy.
Genesis 49:9: Judah [is] a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 7:20-27
These verses detail the descendants of Ephraim, from which Oshea (Joshua) hails, highlighting the continuity and survival of Ephraimite lineage despite the tribe's future tribulations, possibly contradicting the implication of strength in Numbers 13:8.
1 Chronicles 7:20-27: And the sons of Ephraim; Shuthelah, and Bered his son, and Tahath his son, and Eladah his son, and Tahath his son,
Contradiction with Judges 2:10-12
While Numbers 13:8 shows Ephraim playing a crucial role in spy missions, Judges describes a future generation from Ephraim forgetting God’s works, contrasting the initial faithfulness and representation by Oshea.
Judges 2:10-12: And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
Contradiction with Hosea 13:1
Numbers 13:8 implies leadership potential from Ephraim through Oshea, whereas Hosea 13:1 references Ephraim’s downfall, opposing the tribe's implied strong stance in Numbers.
Hosea 13:1: When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.
Contradiction with Psalm 78:67-68
Numbers 13:8 highlights the tribe of Ephraim represented by Oshea, but Psalms records God rejecting the tents of Joseph (Ephraim) in favor of Judah, contradicting Ephraim’s prominence.
Psalm 78:67-68: Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim: