Contradictions and Paradoxes in Ezra 5:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Ezra 5:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Ezra 5:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book of Ezra, Sheshbazzar started building God's house in Jerusalem, but it wasn't finished yet. This means the people were still working hard to complete it.

Ezra 5:16: Then came the same Sheshbazzar, [and] laid the foundation of the house of God which [is] in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and [yet] it is not finished.

Contradiction with 1 Chronicles 22:10

This verse states that Solomon shall build the house for God's name, implying that the temple was to be built by Solomon, not Ezra or the returnees as in Ezra 5:16.

1 Chronicles 22:10: He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I [will be] his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.

Contradiction with Haggai 1:4

This verse criticizes the people for dwelling in their own houses while the house of God lies in waste, suggesting that the temple had not been constructed yet, contradicting the claim in Ezra 5:16.

Haggai 1:4: [Is it] time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house [lie] waste?

Contradiction with Zechariah 4:9

States that Zerubbabel has laid the foundation of the temple, which contradicts Ezra 5:16 by indicating a different leader than Sheshbazzar being responsible for the continuation of the work.

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 2 Chronicles 36:23

Mentions Cyrus commissioning the construction of the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, yet Ezra 5:16 attributes the initiation to Sheshbazzar, leading to conflicting accounts of the temple's reconstruction.

2 Chronicles 36:23: Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah. Who [is there] among you of all his people? The LORD his God [be] with him, and let him go up.

Contradiction with Ezra 3:10

Describes the foundation of the house of the Lord being laid during a different occasion led by different individuals than mentioned in Ezra 5:16, presenting a sequential contradiction.

Ezra 3:10: And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.
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