Contradiction with Leviticus 21:14
Ezekiel 44:22 allows priests to marry widows of priests, whereas Leviticus 21:14 prohibits a high priest from marrying a widow.
Leviticus 21:14: A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, [or] an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife.
Contradiction with Numbers 36:6
Ezekiel 44:22 restricts priests to marry certain individuals, while Numbers 36:6 allows daughters to marry whomever they think best.
Numbers 36:6: This [is] the thing which the LORD doth command concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry. [marry: Heb. be wives]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:39
Ezekiel 44:22 restricts priestly marriages, whereas 1 Corinthians 7:39 allows a woman to marry whoever she wishes after her husband dies.
1 Corinthians 7:39: The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 25:5
Ezekiel 44:22 limits whom priests can marry, while Deuteronomy 25:5 sets a cultural rule for a widow to marry her brother-in-law to carry on the family name.
Deuteronomy 25:5: If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her. [her husband's...: or, her next kinsman]
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 4:3
Ezekiel 44:22 has specific marriage restrictions for priests, while 1 Timothy 4:3 warns against doctrines that forbid marriage altogether.
1 Timothy 4:3: Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
Paradox #1
The possible contradiction with Ezekiel 44:22 could be that it seems to have different rules for priests compared to earlier instructions in other parts of the Bible, like in Leviticus, regarding whom they can marry. This inconsistency raises questions about changes in priestly laws over time.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 44:22 could be seen as inconsistent because it sets specific marriage rules for priests, which might appear unfair or discriminatory by modern standards, as it limits their choice in partners based on a woman’s past marital status. This could conflict with contemporary views on equality and personal freedom.