Contradictions and Paradoxes in Ezra 4:12

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Ezra 4:12 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Ezra 4:12. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Ezra, some people wrote a letter to the king telling him that the Jewish people who came back to Jerusalem were rebuilding the city, which was known as being troublesome and bad, and they were fixing its walls and foundations. They wanted to warn the king because they thought this might cause problems.

Ezra 4:12: Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls [thereof], and joined the foundations. [set up: or, finished] [joined: Chaldee, sewed together]

Contradiction with Nehemiah 2:20

This verse shows support for the rebuilding of Jerusalem, contradicting the opposition mentioned in Ezra 4:12.

Nehemiah 2:20: Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

Contradiction with Haggai 1:14

Here, God stirs up the spirit of the people to rebuild the house of the LORD, indicating divine support opposed to the claim of rebellion in Ezra 4:12.

Haggai 1:14: And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,

Contradiction with Zechariah 4:9

The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of the temple, and God promises completion, which contrasts with the accusation of troublemaking in Ezra 4:12.

Zechariah 4:9: The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

Contradiction with Isaiah 44:28

God refers to Cyrus as His shepherd who will fulfill His will, including the rebuilding of Jerusalem, supporting the project contrary to the complaint in Ezra 4:12.

Isaiah 44:28: That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

Paradox #1

Ezra 4:12 could present a contradiction or inconsistency because it talks about the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls during a time when other historical sources suggest that the city was still in ruins. This inconsistency could arise from differences in timelines or misunderstandings about who was rebuilding the city and when.

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