Contradiction with Romans 14:22
This verse emphasizes personal conviction and faith before God, suggesting that communal oaths should not bind individual conscience.
Romans 14:22: Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:34-37
Jesus advises against swearing oaths, which contradicts Ezra's call for Israel to swear an oath to follow a directive.
Matthew 5:34-37: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
Contradiction with James 5:12
James cautions believers to avoid swearing oaths, promoting straightforward honesty instead.
James 5:12: But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Contradiction with Galatians 5:1
Emphasizes freedom in Christ and not being burdened again by a yoke of slavery, contrasting Ezra's binding oath.
Galatians 5:1: Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Contradiction with Colossians 2:16-17
Suggests that religious regulations (like those enforced by swearing an oath) are a shadow of things to come and not the substance in Christ.
Colossians 2:16-17: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: [in meat...: or, for eating and drinking] [respect: or, part]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:12-14
Speaks to maintaining family relationships, while the context of Ezra 10 involves pledging to separate from foreign wives.
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 Psalm 15:4
Commends keeping oaths even to one's hurt, yet does not address the ethics of requiring oaths in the community as seen in Ezra 10:5.
Psalm 15:4: In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not.
Paradox #1
Ezra 10:5 involves taking an oath to carry out a difficult decision, which may conflict with moral views on compassion and forgiveness. The action called for in this context might be seen as harsh or divisive, raising questions about balancing strict adherence to rules with empathy for individuals involved.