Contradictions and Paradoxes in Ezra 10:14

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Ezra 10:14 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Ezra 10:14. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Ezra, the leaders wanted everyone who had married wives from other places to come and talk with the wise leaders and judges. This way, they could try to make God not angry with them anymore.

Ezra 10:14: Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us. [for this...: or, till this matter be dispatched]

Contradiction with Matthew 19:6

Ezra 10:14 advocates separation of marriages with foreign women, while Matthew 19:6 emphasizes the permanence of marriage by stating that what God has joined together, let no one separate.

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 1 Corinthians 7:12-13

Ezra 10:14 supports divorce from foreign spouses, but 1 Corinthians 7:12-13 advises believers to maintain marriages with non-believers if they are willing to live together.

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 Malachi 2:16

Ezra 10:14 promotes divorce to purify the community, whereas Malachi 2:16 explicitly states that God hates divorce.

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 Mark 10:9

Similar to Matthew 19:6, this verse strengthens the idea of a permanent union by stating that no one should separate what God has joined together.

Mark 10:9: What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:15

While Ezra 10:14 suggests actively ending mixed marriages, 1 Corinthians 7:15 allows for separation but advises letting it happen naturally if the unbeliever departs, rather than forcing it.

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]

Paradox #1

Ezra 10:14 involves a situation where people who have married foreign wives are instructed to separate from them. A potential contradiction here is the conflict between upholding religious or cultural laws and the moral obligation to family and marriage. While the text focuses on religious purity, the directive to divorce or send away one's spouse and possibly children might seem to contradict the values of commitment to family and compassion.

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