Contradiction with Malachi 2:16
This verse states that God hates divorce, which contradicts Ezra 10:3 where the people decide to send 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
Paul advises not to divorce unbelieving spouses willing to live with believers, contradicting the directive in Ezra 10:3 to separate from 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
Jesus teaches that what God has joined together, let no one separate, opposing Ezra 10:3's advocacy of sending away wives.
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 Mark 10:9
Similar to Matthew 19:6, this verse emphasizes not separating what God has joined together, conflicting with Ezra 10:3.
Mark 10:9: What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Contradiction with Romans 7:2-3
This passage on marriage laws highlights the binding nature of marriage, which contradicts the decision in Ezra 10:3 for people to divorce foreign wives.
Romans 7:2-3: For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband.
Contradiction with Malachi 2:14
This verse discusses the sacred covenant of marriage, presenting a contrast to the annulment of marriages in Ezra 10:3.
Malachi 2:14: Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.
Paradox #1
Ezra 10:3 involves the Israelites deciding to send away foreign wives and their children to remain faithful to God's laws. A potential theological conflict is that this action seems to contradict the principles of love and family unity found in other parts of the Bible. In the New Testament, for example, themes of inclusion and love for all people are emphasized, which could seem inconsistent with this Old Testament decision to separate families based on ethnicity or religion.
Paradox #2
Ezra 10:3 suggests making a covenant to send away foreign wives and their children. This could contradict earlier biblical teachings about love, marriage, and family unity, such as the commitment to marriage seen in Genesis or the protection of families in Exodus. It may also seem inconsistent with New Testament values of inclusion and acceptance, as seen in Jesus' teachings.
Paradox #3
Ezra 10:3 discusses the Israelites sending away foreign wives and their children to follow God's law more closely. A historical conflict may arise because this action contradicts other parts of the Bible, like the Book of Ruth, which praises a foreign woman who marries an Israelite and becomes part of the community. This shows inconsistency in how relationships with foreigners are viewed in different biblical texts.
Paradox #4
Ezra 10:3 involves people making a covenant to put away foreign wives and their children. The contradiction or conflict here could be the idea of breaking up families based on ethnic or national origin, which clashes with modern genetic understanding that humans are highly similar regardless of race or ethnicity. Additionally, contemporary social sciences emphasize the importance of family stability and cultural integration, which are at odds with the actions described in the verse.
Paradox #5
The contradiction or conflict in Ezra 10:3 could arise from the directive to send away foreign wives and children. This can conflict with values of love, family unity, and the protection of innocent family members, as it suggests breaking up families for religious and cultural reasons, which may seem harsh or unjust.