Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
Emphasizes individual responsibility for sin, contradicting the collective confession of sin in Ezra 9:6.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with Romans 14:12
States that each person will give an account of themselves to God, contradicting Ezra's communal admission of guilt.
Romans 14:12: So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 31:29-30
Asserts that individuals will die for their own sins, not the sins of their ancestors, contradicting Ezra's notion of communal guilt.
Jeremiah 31:29-30: In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.
Contradiction with Galatians 6:5
Focuses on personal responsibility for one's own burden, contrasting with the communal burden of sin in Ezra 9:6.
Galatians 6:5: For every man shall bear his own burden.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:16
Declares that children shall not be put to death for their parents' sins, which contrasts Ezra's acknowledgment of collective sin.
Deuteronomy 24:16: The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
Contradiction with Proverbs 9:12
Highlights the personal consequences of being wise or scornful, not collective repercussions, differing from Ezra's communal confession.
Proverbs 9:12: If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but [if] thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear [it].
Contradiction with 2 Chronicles 25:4
States that individuals should only be punished for their own sins, contradicting Ezra's implication of shared guilt.
2 Chronicles 25:4: But he slew not their children, but [did] as [it is] written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.
Paradox #1
Ezra 9:6 expresses a feeling of shame and embarrassment over the sins of the people. The potential theological conflict might arise when comparing this with verses that emphasize God's forgiveness and mercy. The contradiction could be seen in how one reconciles a deep sense of unworthiness and guilt with beliefs in divine forgiveness and cleansing from sin. This tension can create confusion about the extent of God's grace versus the depth of human sinfulness.