Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:3
This verse commands the Israelites not to intermarry with pagan nations, which contrasts with Ezra 9:2's acknowledgment of such marriages.
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 1 Kings 11:2
This verse highlights forbidden marriages with foreign women leading to idolatry, in opposition to the acknowledgment of them in Ezra 9:2.
1 Kings 11:2: Of the nations [concerning] which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: [for] surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
Contradiction with Nehemiah 13:25
This verse condemns intermarriage with foreigners, contradicting Ezra 9:2, where such marriages are indicated as occurring.
Nehemiah 13:25: And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, [saying], Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. [cursed: or, reviled]
Paradox #1
Ezra 9:2 could be seen as conflicting with previous commands from God regarding relations with other nations. In earlier scriptures, Israelites were warned against intermarrying with other nations to avoid adopting their practices and religions. However, there are instances in the Bible where figures from different nations are positively integrated into the Israelite community. This raises questions about the consistency of applying these commands across different contexts.
Paradox #2
Ezra 9:2 highlights concerns about intermarriage with different groups, which some parts of the Bible discourage. However, other parts, like the story of Ruth or the New Testament teachings, emphasize acceptance and inclusion of people from all nations. This can seem inconsistent because it shows different attitudes towards people from other backgrounds.
Paradox #3
Some people see a contradiction because Ezra condemns intermarriage with surrounding peoples to maintain religious purity, but earlier parts of the Bible show intermarriages that are not criticized, like Moses with a Cushite woman. This inconsistency in the acceptance of intermarriage can be seen as a conflict in the biblical narrative.
Paradox #4
Ezra 9:2 could be seen as having a contradiction or conflict because it deals with the issue of intermarriage between different groups. Some people might see this as promoting division or discrimination, as it seems to focus on keeping groups separate based on certain criteria. This idea could conflict with modern views on equality and integration.