Contradiction with Leviticus 21:1-3
Ezekiel 44:25 limits priests from defiling themselves for any dead except close kin, while Leviticus 21:1-3 permits them for father and mother, son, daughter, brother, and unmarried sister.
Leviticus 21:1-3: And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people:
Contradiction with Numbers 19:11-12
Ezekiel 44:25 restricts priests from defiling for the dead, whereas Numbers 19:11-12 provides a purification method for anyone defiled by a corpse, implying defilement is expected and manageable.
Numbers 19:11-12: He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days. [man: Heb. soul of man]
Contradiction with Matthew 8:21-22
Ezekiel 44:25 allows priests to defile themselves for close relatives' deaths, but Jesus in Matthew advises leaving the dead to bury their own dead, discouraging prioritization of burial duties.
Matthew 8:21-22: And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Contradiction with Luke 9:59-60
Similar to Matthew 8:21-22, while Ezekiel permits defilement for close relatives, Jesus’ words in Luke suggest followers should not concern themselves with burying the dead, potentially undermining such permissions.
Luke 9:59-60: And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Contradiction with Numbers 5:2
Ezekiel 44:25 requires priests to avoid defilement, but Numbers 5:2 establishes laws for dealing with those unclean by corpses, highlighting a system of reintegration into community life despite defilement.
Numbers 5:2: Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is defiled by the dead:
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 44:25 states a rule for the priests about not defiling themselves by coming near a dead person, except for close relatives. One possible contradiction or conflict with this rule is found in the New Testament. Jesus teaches that all people are equal, and he even touches dead people to raise them, like in the story of Lazarus. This can be seen as inconsistent because Jesus' actions show a different approach to purity and compassion.
Paradox #2
This verse can be seen as a moral inconsistency because it restricts certain people from mourning the deaths of loved ones, which might conflict with the natural human emotional response to grieve and show compassion. It limits the expression of sorrow and can seem at odds with the broader moral teachings of empathy and support during times of loss.