Contradictions and Paradoxes in Ezra 10:12

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Ezra 10:12 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Ezra 10:12. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Ezra, the people were agreeing out loud to obey what Ezra said because they knew it was the right thing to do. They promised to follow the rules to make things better and do what God wanted.

Ezra 10:12: Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do.

Contradiction with Malachi 2:16

This verse states that God hates divorce, contradicting Ezra 10:12 where the people agree to put away foreign wives.

Malachi 2:16: For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for [one] covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. [that he...: or, if he hate her, put her away] [putting...: Heb. to put away]

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:12-13

These verses encourage staying with a spouse even if they are not believers, contradicting the decision in Ezra 10:12 to divorce foreign wives.

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.

Contradiction with Matthew 19:6

This verse emphasizes that what God has joined, let no one separate, which contradicts the resolution in Ezra 10:12 to dissolve marriages.

Matthew 19:6: Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:3-4

Although instructing against intermarriage, the implied purpose is to prevent being led astray from God, while in Ezra 10:12, the people agree to divorce regardless of the current relationship status or faith impact.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4: 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 1 Corinthians 7:15

Suggests that if an unbelieving spouse leaves, the believer is not bound, implying separation should be the last resort, which conflicts with the proactive divorcing in Ezra 10:12.

1 Corinthians 7:15: But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such [cases]: but God hath called us to peace. [to peace: Gr. in peace]

Contradiction with Hosea 3:1

God instructs Hosea to love an adulterous wife, demonstrating forgiveness and reconciliation, contrary to the separations agreed upon in Ezra 10:12.

Hosea 3:1: Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of [her] friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine. [of wine: Heb. of grapes]
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