Contradiction with Psalm 20:7
This verse contrasts with Ezra 8:22 as it emphasizes trust in the Lord over human means, unlike Ezra's reluctance to seek military aid.
Psalm 20:7: Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Contradiction with Proverbs 21:31
This verse suggests the importance of preparing for battle, which contradicts Ezra's decision not to seek military escort from the king.
Proverbs 21:31: The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD. [safety: or, victory]
Contradiction with Isaiah 31:1
This verse warns against relying on Egypt (or any nation) for help, which contrasts with Ezra 8:22's implication about not asking for such help but trusting in God.
Isaiah 31:1: Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:5
This verse contradicts by cautioning against trusting in man, whereas Ezra 8:22 reflects a stance of faith in God's protection without the need for a king's army.
Jeremiah 17:5: Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
Contradiction with Numbers 10:9
This verse advises seeking God's intervention in battles, conflicting with Ezra's decision to avoid asking for the king's soldiers' help.
Numbers 10:9: And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.
Contradiction with Psalm 146:3
Advises not to put trust in princes, aligning with Ezra's hesitance to request a king's escort but contrasting in its suggestion of divine rather than human reliance.
Psalm 146:3: Put not your trust in princes, [nor] in the son of man, in whom [there is] no help. [help: or, salvation]
Paradox #1
Ezra 8:22 could be seen as conflicting with the idea of asking for help or seeking support from others when in need. In this verse, Ezra hesitates to ask the king for protection during their journey because he had already expressed trust that God would keep them safe. This might seem inconsistent if one believes in using available resources or seeking assistance from others while still having faith in divine protection.
Paradox #2
Ezra 8:22 could be seen as having a contradiction or inconsistency with the idea that it's okay to ask for human help in times of need. In this verse, Ezra feels embarrassed to ask the king for soldiers because he had already told the king that God would protect them. This might conflict with other parts of the Bible where seeking help from people is considered acceptable and sometimes even encouraged.
Paradox #3
Ezra 8:22 might seem contradictory because earlier in the book, Ezra asks the king for permission and support to return to Jerusalem. Yet, in this verse, Ezra is hesitant to ask the king for soldiers. This can seem inconsistent because Ezra has already shown reliance on the king's assistance but now chooses to rely on faith in God for protection instead. This shift can be seen as a conflict between reliance on divine protection and human help.
Paradox #4
Ezra 8:22 expresses a reliance on God's protection while also being hesitant to ask for human assistance, like a king's army. The moral conflict might be the tension between having faith in divine help and the practical need for human security measures. It can seem inconsistent to trust God fully while still considering human means of protection as an option.