Contradiction with Ezra 9:2
This verse acknowledges the Israelites' marriages to foreign women, setting a precedent that contradicts the command to put them away in Ezra 10:23.
Ezra 9:2: For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of [those] lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:3-4
While this warns against marrying foreign women due to idolatry, Ezra 10:23 demands separation, a more extreme measure not prescribed here, highlighting a contradiction in approach.
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 Ruth 1:16
Ruth's loyalty and conversion contradict the blanket rejection of foreign women in Ezra 10:23, demonstrating a positive outcome of such unions.
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 Numbers 12:1
Moses married a Cushite woman, yet faced familial disapproval rather than a divine command for separation, conflicting with Ezra 10:23's directive.
Numbers 12:1: And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. [Ethiopian: or, Cushite] [married: Heb. taken]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:12-14
Paul advises believers to stay with unbelieving spouses if they consent to live together, contradicting Ezra 10:23's command to separate.
1 Corinthians 7:12-14: 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 1:5
The genealogy of Jesus includes Rahab and Ruth, foreign women, suggesting divine acceptance and blessing, in contrast to Ezra 10:23.
Matthew 1:5: And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
Contradiction with Genesis 41:45
Joseph marries an Egyptian woman and remains in God's favor, contrasting with Ezra 10:23's stance on foreign marriages.
Genesis 41:45: And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over [all] the land of Egypt. [Zaphnathpaaneah: which in the Coptic signifies, A revealer of secrets, or, The man to whom secrets are revealed] [priest: or, prince]
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 30:18-19
Hezekiah prays for those who are ritually unclean and they are forgiven, contrasting with Ezra 10:23's harsh actions without indication of intercession.
2 Chronicles 30:18-19: For a multitude of the people, [even] many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one
Contradiction with Acts 10:34-35
Peter declares God shows no partiality, and accepts anyone who fears Him, contradicting the exclusion based on nationality seen in Ezra 10:23.
Acts 10:34-35: Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: