Contradiction with 1 Kings 7:51
This verse describes all the treasures and vessels being brought into the house of the Lord under Solomon's reign, whereas Ezra 1:11 discusses vessels being returned from Babylonian captivity.
1 Kings 7:51: So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; [even] the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD. [things...: Heb. holy things of David]
Contradiction with 2 Kings 24:13
This verse depicts the vessels being taken to Babylon, while Ezra 1:11 describes their return, presenting a direct reversal.
2 Kings 24:13: And he carried out thence all the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said.
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 36:18
It states that all the vessels were taken to Babylon, contradicting Ezra 1:11 which accounts for their retrieval.
2 Chronicles 36:18: And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all [these] he brought to Babylon.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 52:19
Describes the carrying away of vessels, whereas Ezra 1:11 describes vessels being brought back.
Jeremiah 52:19: And the basons, and the firepans, and the bowls, and the caldrons, and the candlesticks, and the spoons, and the cups; [that] which [was] of gold [in] gold, and [that] which [was] of silver [in] silver, took the captain of the guard away. [firepans: or, censers]
Contradiction with Daniel 1:2
Speaks of the vessels being brought into the land of Shinar, opposite to their return to Jerusalem in Ezra 1:11.
Daniel 1:2: And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
Paradox #1
Ezra 1:11 mentions the return of specific temple items to Jerusalem. A contradiction could arise when comparing the number of items listed with other accounts, like those in the Book of Nehemiah, leading to differing figures and causing confusion about the actual quantities being returned. Additionally, some scholars point out potential inconsistencies with archaeological findings or other historical records regarding the total inventory of temple treasures.