Contradiction with Romans 12:10
This verse encourages believers to honor one another, which contradicts Haman's demand for personal reverence and honor in Esther 3:2.
Romans 12:10: [Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; [with...: or, in the love of the brethren]
Contradiction with Matthew 4:10
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes worship and service to God alone, which contrasts with the reverence Mordecai is expected to show Haman.
Matthew 4:10: Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Contradiction with Acts 5:29
This passage asserts the priority of obeying God over human authorities, conflicting with Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman.
Acts 5:29: Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Contradiction with Exodus 20:5
The verse commands against bowing down to others or serving them, paralleling Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman.
Exodus 20:5: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;
Contradiction with Daniel 3:18
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's refusal to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's image mirrors Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman.
Daniel 3:18: But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict in Esther 3:2 could be seen in the expectation of showing respect or reverence to authority figures versus adhering to personal or religious convictions. The verse suggests obeying a command to bow, which could conflict with personal beliefs against idolizing or elevating others above one's faith principles. This creates a tension between following orders and staying true to one's moral or spiritual values.