Contradiction with Jeremiah 29:10
Jeremiah prophesies a 70-year exile in Babylon, suggesting a more conditional or delayed return compared to the immediate call for return in Ezra 1:3.
Jeremiah 29:10: For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.
Contradiction with 2 Kings 24:14
Describes the complete exile of Jerusalem's inhabitants to Babylon, which contrasts with Ezra 1:3's implication of a substantial remaining population ready to return.
2 Kings 24:14: And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, [even] ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.
Contradiction with Nehemiah 1:3
Nehemiah reports that the remnant in Jerusalem are in great affliction, contradicting the notion in Ezra 1:3 of a strong, willing group ready to return and rebuild.
Nehemiah 1:3: And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province [are] in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also [is] broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.
Contradiction with Haggai 1:2
The people claim that the time has not yet come to build the Lord's house, contradicting Ezra 1:3 which issues a call to build.
Haggai 1:2: Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency related to this verse could involve a debate about the timeline or the people it mentions. Some scholars question the historical accuracy of certain events described in the Book of Ezra, such as the timing of the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem or how these events align with records from other historical sources. However, specific contradictions can vary based on different interpretations and historical evidence.
Paradox #2
Ezra 1:3 encourages the exiled Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. A potential moral conflict could arise if someone believes in helping people where they are, instead of encouraging them to leave. This could be seen as a tension between staying to help improve current circumstances versus returning to a homeland for religious reasons.