Contradiction with Galatians 3:28
This verse emphasizes that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile in Christ, contradicting Ezra 10:2 which addresses separation from foreign wives.
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 Ruth 1:16
This verse shows Ruth, a Moabite, pledging loyalty to Naomi and the God of Israel, which contradicts the exclusion of foreign wives suggested in Ezra 10:2.
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 Isaiah 56:3
This verse indicates that foreigners who join themselves to the Lord should not be excluded, conflicting with the expulsion implied in Ezra 10:2.
Isaiah 56:3: Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I [am] a dry tree.
Contradiction with Matthew 28:19
This verse calls for making disciples of all nations, which contradicts the separation from foreign peoples mentioned in Ezra 10:2.
Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [teach...: or, make disciples, or, Christians of all nations]
Contradiction with Ephesians 2:14
This verse talks about Christ breaking down the dividing wall of hostility, opposing the sentiment of separation in Ezra 10:2.
Ephesians 2:14: For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];
Paradox #1
Ezra 10:2 suggests that the Israelites had taken foreign wives, which was against their religious laws. The contradiction arises because elsewhere in the Bible, foreigners are sometimes welcomed or integrated into the community, such as in the stories of Ruth or Rahab. This creates a tension between maintaining religious purity and being accepting of others from different backgrounds.
Paradox #2
Ezra 10:2 might present a doctrinal inconsistency regarding the issue of marriage to foreign women. In other parts of the Bible, such as in some of Solomon's arrangements and the New Testament teachings on marriage, marrying foreigners is not always condemned outright. This could be seen as conflicting guidance on the topic of marrying outside one's faith or community.
Paradox #3
Ezra 10:2 highlights an event where some Israelites admit to marrying foreign women and propose to separate from them to follow God's laws. A historical inconsistency could potentially arise when this directive is compared to other parts of the Bible that are more inclusive toward foreign peoples, such as the acceptance of Ruth, a Moabite woman, into the Israelite community. This inconsistency lies in the differing approaches to foreign relationships and integration within the community.
Paradox #4
Ezra 10:2 deals with people deciding to send away their foreign wives and children to correct a religious mistake. The moral conflict here could be the tension between adhering to religious laws and the emotional and ethical responsibilities towards family. Rejecting family members can seem harsh and unkind, conflicting with values of love and care.