Welcome to “Ehrman Errs,” a blog series devoted to using our conversational AI to refute each alleged biblical contradiction that is posed in the article on Bart Ehrman’s website: 50 Contradictions in the Bible: The Biggest, Most Shocking Differences.
Today’s alleged contradiction:
#6 – Levite Cities: 11 or 13?
Another contradiction arises in the accounts of the Levite cities allocated to the descendants of Aaron. In 1 Chronicles 6:42-45, 11 cities are listed, but the text states there should be 13 in total. These cities include Hebron, Libna, Jattir, Eschtemoa, Holon, Debir, Aschan, Beth Shemesh, Geba, Alemet, and Anatot. The discrepancy between the stated total and the actual list creates an inconsistency within the text. The parallel account in Joshua 21:13-19 provides a different list of 13 cities, with variations and additions. Notably, this list includes Ajin, Jutta, Gibeon, and Almon, which are absent in Chronicles, while Aschan and Alemet do not appear in Joshua’s account.
How Does Ehrman Err?
It’s important to approach such issues with both honesty and careful attention to the biblical text and its historical context. Let’s examine the passages and the nature of the alleged contradiction.
1. The Texts in Question
The Passages in Question
1 Chronicles 6:54–60 (ESV)
54 These are their dwelling places according to their settlements within their borders: to the sons of Aaron of the clans of Kohathites, for theirs was the first lot,
55 to them they gave Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands,
56 but the fields of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
57 To the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of refuge: Hebron, Libnah with its pasturelands, Jattir, Eshtemoa with its pasturelands,
58 Hilen with its pasturelands, Debir with its pasturelands,
59 Ashan with its pasturelands, and Beth-shemesh with its pasturelands;
60 and from the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon, Geba, Alemeth, and Anathoth, with their pasturelands. All their cities throughout their clans were thirteen.
Joshua 21:13–19 (ESV)
13 And to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasturelands, Libnah with its pasturelands,
14 Jattir with its pasturelands, Eshtemoa with its pasturelands,
15 Holon with its pasturelands, Debir with its pasturelands,
16 Ain with its pasturelands, Juttah with its pasturelands, Beth-shemesh with its pasturelands—nine cities out of these two tribes;
17 then out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with its pasturelands, Geba with its pasturelands,
18 Anathoth with its pasturelands, and Almon with its pasturelands—four cities.
19 The cities of the descendants of Aaron, the priests, were in all thirteen cities with their pasturelands.
Nature of the Alleged Contradiction
- Chronicles lists 11 cities by name but says there are 13.
- Joshua lists 13 cities by name.
- Some city names differ or are missing between the two lists.
How Should We Understand This?
1. Ancient Record-Keeping and Name Variations
- Variant Names: In the ancient Near East, it was common for places to have multiple names or for names to change over time. For example, “Ashan” in Chronicles may correspond to “Ain” in Joshua, and “Alemeth” in Chronicles may correspond to “Almon” in Joshua. Such variations are common in ancient texts and do not indicate contradiction but rather reflect different traditions or dialects.
- Transcription and Copyist Issues: Over centuries, copying manuscripts could result in minor spelling differences or omissions, especially with place names that were less familiar to later scribes.
2. Selective Listing and Grouping
- Summary Statements: Both texts state the total is 13 cities, even if not all are named in one list. Chronicles may have grouped or omitted some names for brevity or due to the audience’s familiarity with the locations.
- Parallel Accounts: The lists in Joshua and Chronicles serve different purposes—Joshua records the original allocation, while Chronicles, written centuries later, may reflect the situation at the time of writing or the tradition preserved by the Chronicler.
3. Theological and Literary Intent
- Focus of Each Book: Joshua is concerned with the initial division of the land, while Chronicles is more focused on the priestly line and their settlements. The Chronicler may have emphasized certain cities for theological or historical reasons, or may have had access to different source material.
4. No Contradiction in the Totals
- Both Texts Affirm 13 Cities: Both Joshua 21:19 and 1 Chronicles 6:60 state there were 13 cities given to the descendants of Aaron. The difference in the names listed is likely due to the reasons above, not a contradiction in the actual historical event.
Biblical Examples and Principles
- Different Lists, Same Event: The Bible often presents different lists or genealogies with variations (compare Matthew 1 and Luke 3), which reflect different purposes, sources, or traditions, but do not undermine the truthfulness of Scripture.
- Scripture’s Reliability: “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him” (Proverbs 30:5, ESV).
- All Scripture is Inspired: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV).
Conclusion
There is no genuine contradiction here. The differences in the lists are due to:
- Ancient naming conventions and possible name changes,
- Selective or grouped listing for literary or historical reasons,
- The use of different sources or traditions by the authors.
Both accounts agree on the essential fact: 13 cities were allotted to the descendants of Aaron. The minor variations in the names are well within the normal range of ancient historical writing and do not undermine the reliability or inspiration of Scripture.