Contradiction with Numbers 12:1
This verse records Moses' marriage to an Ethiopian woman, contrasting with Ezra 9:1's concern over intermarriage.
Numbers 12:1: And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. [Ethiopian: or, Cushite] [married: Heb. taken]
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:3
This verse explicitly prohibits marrying the people of the land, aligning with Ezra 9:1 rather than contradicting it.
Deuteronomy 7:3: Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.
Contradiction with Ruth 1:16
Ruth, a Moabitess, is accepted into the community of Israel, contrasting with the concerns of intermarriage in Ezra 9:1.
Ruth 1:16: And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, [or] to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people [shall be] my people, and thy God my God: [Intreat...: or, Be not against me]
Contradiction with 1 Kings 11:3
Solomon had many foreign wives, which led him astray, similar to the concerns raised in Ezra 9:1, not a contradiction.
1 Kings 11:3: And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 16:31
Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, a foreigner, led Israel into idolatry, supporting the warning in Ezra 9:1.
1 Kings 16:31: And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. [as if...: Heb. was it a light thing, etc]
Contradiction with Nehemiah 13:23
Nehemiah expresses similar concerns about intermarriage, aligning with Ezra 9:1.
Nehemiah 13:23: In those days also saw I Jews [that] had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, [and] of Moab: [had...: Heb. had made to dwell with them]
Contradiction with Matthew 1:5
Ruth, a non-Israelite, is listed in the genealogy of Jesus, suggesting acceptance of foreigners.
Matthew 1:5: And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
Contradiction with Acts 10:34-35
Peter learns that God accepts people from every nation, which contrasts with the separation concerns in Ezra 9:1.
Acts 10:34-35: Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Paradox #1
Ezra 9:1 might raise questions about contradiction, inconsistency, or conflict due to its discussion on intermarriage with surrounding peoples. Some people might see a conflict between this verse and the broader moral teachings of love, acceptance, and equality found elsewhere in religious or philosophical texts. The verse could be seen as advocating for separation or exclusivity, which might seem inconsistent with the more universal messages of unity and understanding.