Contradiction with Jeremiah 7:22
Jeremiah 7:22 suggests that God did not command sacrifices in the wilderness, which contradicts Ezra 3:3 where sacrifices are emphasized despite fear.
Jeremiah 7:22: For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: [concerning: Heb. concerning the matter of]
Contradiction with Amos 5:21
Amos 5:21 indicates God's disdain for festivals and sacrifices, which contradicts Ezra 3:3 where these are central.
Amos 5:21: I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. [in...: or, your holy days]
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:11
Isaiah 1:11 questions the value of sacrifices, while Ezra 3:3 emphasizes their continuation despite adversity.
Isaiah 1:11: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [he goats: Heb. great he goats]
Contradiction with Matthew 9:13
Matthew 9:13 emphasizes mercy over sacrifice, contrasting with the sacrificial focus in Ezra 3:3.
Matthew 9:13: But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Contradiction with Hosea 6:6
Hosea 6:6 states God desires mercy and knowledge over sacrifices, which contradicts the emphasis on sacrifices in Ezra 3:3.
Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Paradox #1
Ezra 3:3 describes the Israelites rebuilding the altar to offer sacrifices despite their fear of neighboring people. The contradiction may arise from the tension between acting out of faith or devotion and the underlying fear of others, which could be seen as lacking trust in divine protection. This reflects a conflict between taking a courageous action versus reacting out of fear.