Contradiction with Isaiah 45:1
Isaiah 45:1 refers to Cyrus as anointed by God, indicating divine appointment rather than self-claimed authority as suggested in Ezra 1:2.
Isaiah 45:1: Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; [have...: or, strengthened]
Contradiction with Jeremiah 27:6
This verse suggests God gave all lands into Nebuchadnezzar's hand, contrasting with Cyrus claiming God's authority for rebuilding the temple in Ezra 1:2.
Jeremiah 27:6: And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 13:6-10
Here it is stated to reject prophets or dreamers who entice people to follow gods that are foreign, contrasting with the idea in Ezra 1:2 of Cyrus urging to rebuild a temple.
Deuteronomy 13:6-10: If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;
Contradiction with Isaiah 10:5-6
These verses talk about Assyria being used by God as an instrument of anger, which contrasts with the benevolent role Cyrus claims in Ezra 1:2 for rebuilding the temple.
Isaiah 10:5-6: O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. [O...: or, Woe to the Assyrian: Heb. Asshur] [and: or, though]
Contradiction with 1 Kings 12:28
This reflects idolatry and rebellion against God's command as Jeroboam institutes golden calves, contrasting with Cyrus claiming God commanded him to build the temple.
1 Kings 12:28: Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves [of] gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse commands to have no other gods, contrasting with the potential for misinterpretation in Ezra 1:2 where Cyrus, a non-Israelite king, speaks on behalf of God.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 5:31
This verse notes how people follow false prophets and rulers, contrasting with the genuine divinely sanctioned message Cyrus conveys in Ezra 1:2.
Jeremiah 5:31: The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love [to have it] so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? [bear...: or, take into their hands]
Contradiction with Psalm 115:4-8
These verses talk about the futility of idols, contrasting with the effectiveness and divine backing implied in Cyrus’s decree in Ezra 1:2.
Psalm 115:4-8: Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Paradox #1
Ezra 1:2 talks about King Cyrus of Persia acknowledging the God of Israel and supporting the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. Some might see a theological conflict here because a non-Israelite king appears to follow God's will, while other parts of the Bible emphasize God's unique relationship with the Israelites. This raises questions about how God uses and interacts with non-believers.
Paradox #2
One possible contradiction regarding the decree in Ezra 1:2 is that it might not match with non-biblical historical records about Cyrus the Great's policies. Some historians argue that there is little evidence outside the Bible to confirm that Cyrus issued a specific decree for the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This has led to debate about the accuracy and historicity of the account as described.
Paradox #3
Ezra 1:2 talks about a pagan king claiming that God instructed him to build a temple in Jerusalem. The contradiction here could be that it seems unusual for God to use a non-Israelite king to fulfill His plans, which might seem inconsistent with the idea of God primarily working through the Israelites. This could be seen as conflicting with other parts of the Bible where God mostly deals directly with the Israelites.