Contradiction with Galatians 3:28
This verse suggests there is neither Jew nor Greek, implying unity and equality, contrasting with Ezra 10:11, which advocates separation based on religious and ethnic identity.
Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:3
In this verse, intermarriage with other nations is prohibited by God, aligning with Ezra 10:11, but it also showcases a contradiction in how the inclusivity and outreach of other texts differ.
Deuteronomy 7:3: Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.
Contradiction with Isaiah 56:6-7
These verses talk about foreigners joining themselves to the Lord and being accepted, contradicting Ezra 10:11 which calls for separating from foreign wives.
Isaiah 56:6-7: Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
Contradiction with Ruth 1:16
Ruth's loyalty and integration into the Israelite community contradict the directive in Ezra 10:11 to separate from foreign spouses.
Ruth 1:16: And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, [or] to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people [shall be] my people, and thy God my God: [Intreat...: or, Be not against me]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:12-13
Advises believers not to divorce their unbelieving spouses if they are willing to live with them, contradicting the directive in Ezra 10:11.
1 Corinthians 7:12-13: But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
Paradox #1
Ezra 10:11 deals with the Israelites being instructed to separate from their foreign wives to be faithful to God. This can conflict with the New Testament teachings, where all marriages are encouraged to be honored (as in 1 Corinthians 7) and there is a focus on unity and love across different peoples. It raises questions about consistency in how relationships and faithfulness are approached throughout the Bible.
Paradox #2
Ezra 10:11 may raise questions about intermarriage because it commands the Israelites to separate from foreign spouses, which can seem at odds with the more inclusive message in other parts of the Bible, such as Ruth's story or the New Testament's emphasis on love and unity beyond ethnic boundaries. This could be seen as a conflict between maintaining religious purity and embracing diversity.
Paradox #3
Ezra 10:11 involves the directive for divorcing foreign wives, which creates a contradiction with the Bible's teachings on marriage and divorce. The New Testament generally discourages divorce and promotes unity in marriage. This inconsistency arises because Ezra's directive focuses on restoring religious purity, while other scriptures emphasize the sanctity and permanence of marriage.
Paradox #4
The verse suggests separating from foreign wives, which can conflict with modern scientific understanding of cultural integration, social anthropology, and human genetics, which emphasize diversity, integration, and the benefits of genetic variation.
Paradox #5
Ezra 10:11 calls for the Israelites to separate themselves from foreign wives and children, which could be seen as conflicting with broader moral teachings about love, acceptance, and family unity. This creates a moral tension between following religious laws and showing compassion and inclusion towards all people, regardless of their background.