Contradictions and Paradoxes in Ezra 4:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Ezra 4:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Ezra 4:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Ezra, a long time ago, there were powerful kings in Jerusalem who were like big bosses over many lands, and the people in those lands had to give them money and gifts. This story shows how strong and important Jerusalem was back then.

Ezra 4:20: There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all [countries] beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.

Contradiction with Ezra 1:3

Ezra 1:3 describes permission granted to the Jews to rebuild Jerusalem, which contradicts the implication in Ezra 4:20 that Jerusalem was long a rebellious city and needed control to prevent rebuilding.

Ezra 1:3: Who [is there] among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he [is] the God,) which [is] in Jerusalem.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 29:10

This verse conveys God's promise to bring the Jews back to Jerusalem, contrasting with the assertion of perpetual rebellion in Ezra 4:20.

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 Isaiah 44:28

This asserts God’s decree for Jerusalem to be rebuilt, opposing the concerns of rebellion and prevention of construction mentioned in Ezra 4:20.

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.

Contradiction with Nehemiah 2:18

Nehemiah receives approval to rebuild Jerusalem, countering the resistance implied in Ezra 4:20.

Nehemiah 2:18: Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for [this] good [work].

Contradiction with Haggai 2:4

Encourages the people to be strong and work on rebuilding the temple, which contrasts the narrative of rebellion preventing construction in Ezra 4:20.

Haggai 2:4: Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I [am] with you, saith the LORD of hosts:

Paradox #1

Ezra 4:20 refers to past kings and the powerful nature of Jerusalem, but historical records and archaeological evidence may not fully align with the descriptions of wealth and authority attributed to Jerusalem in that era. There might be discrepancies between biblical accounts and external historical sources regarding the level of influence or control Jerusalem held.

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