Contradiction with Exodus 34:15-16
These verses imply treaties and marital bonds with other nations, which contradicts Ezra 9:11's prohibition.
Exodus 34:15-16: Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and [one] call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;
Contradiction with Numbers 25:1-2
Here, Israelites engage with foreign women, contradicting the separation from nations endorsed in Ezra 9:11.
Numbers 25:1-2: And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:3-4
The commandment against marrying non-Israelites is similar but also acknowledges potential influence, suggesting a more pragmatic focus.
Deuteronomy 7:3-4: 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 Moabite, pledges fidelity to Naomi and God, which contrasts with the exclusivity in Ezra 9:11.
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 Matthew 28:19
The Great Commission to make disciples of all nations contrasts with the separationist view of Ezra 9:11.
Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [teach...: or, make disciples, or, Christians of all nations]
Contradiction with Acts 10:34-35
Peter's realization that God accepts people from every nation contradicts the exclusivity suggested in Ezra 9:11.
Acts 10:34-35: Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Contradiction with Galatians 3:28
The declaration of unity and equality in Christ contrasts with the separation principle in Ezra 9:11.
Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Paradox #1
The possible contradiction or inconsistency regarding Ezra 9:11 could relate to the command for Israelites not to intermarry with people of other nations due to religious purity, which contrasts with other parts of the Bible where intermarriage is present or shown in a more positive light (e.g., Ruth, who was a Moabite and married into Israel). This creates a tension between the importance of religious purity and the inclusion of foreigners into the Israelite community.
Paradox #2
The potential doctrinal conflict in Ezra 9:11 is that it advises against mingling with other groups to avoid impurity, which might seem inconsistent with later biblical messages that emphasize love and inclusion of all people, such as in the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.
Paradox #3
Ezra 9:11 mentions that the land the Israelites are entering is unclean because of the practices of its inhabitants, which could be seen as contradictory or inconsistent with archaeological evidence suggesting longstanding, diverse populations and cultures in that region. Some scholars argue that these descriptions in the Bible reflect a religious and cultural perspective rather than historical facts. Therefore, the conflict might arise between the biblical narrative and historical or archaeological records.