Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 36:22
It repeats the proclamation of King Cyrus found in Ezra 1:1, but presents it as the culmination of a different narrative.
2 Chronicles 36:22: Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD [spoken] by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying,
Contradiction with Isaiah 45:13
It indicates God's use of Cyrus to rebuild the city and free the exiles, suggesting a broader divine plan not specified in Ezra 1:1.
Isaiah 45:13: I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts. [direct: or, make straight]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 25:12
Predicts the fall of Babylon after 70 years and the subsequent punishment of the king, contrasting with the immediate favor shown to Cyrus in Ezra 1:1.
Jeremiah 25:12: And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, [that] I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations. [punish: Heb. visit upon]
Paradox #1
There is a contradiction related to the timeline of Cyrus the Great's decree to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Some scholars point out that records from the Babylonian and Persian periods do not mention this specific decree, leading to debates over the historical accuracy of the event as described in the Bible. Additionally, there are questions about the alignment of this event with known historical timelines and records.