Contradiction with Deuteronomy 24:1
This verse permits a man to divorce his wife if he finds "some uncleanness in her," which seems to contradict the commitment to faithfulness emphasized in Malachi 2:14.
Deuteronomy 24:1: When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give [it] in her hand, and send her out of his house. [some...: Heb. matter of nakedness] [divorcement: Heb. cutting off]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:31-32
Although it emphasizes the seriousness of marriage, it provides grounds for divorce, conflicting with the unconditional covenant aspect in Malachi 2:14.
Matthew 5:31-32: It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
Contradiction with Matthew 19:8
This verse mentions that Moses allowed divorce because of the hardness of people's hearts, which can be seen as a concession in contrast to the unwavering commitment mentioned in Malachi 2:14.
Matthew 19:8: He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:15
This verse allows for separation if an unbelieving spouse departs, which could be seen as permitting dissolution of the marital covenant implied in Malachi 2:14.
1 Corinthians 7:15: But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such [cases]: but God hath called us to peace. [to peace: Gr. in peace]
Contradiction with Ezra 10:3
In this passage, Israelites marry foreign wives and are instructed to divorce them, which contrasts with the view of marriage as a lasting covenant in Malachi 2:14.
Ezra 10:3: Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law. [to put...: Heb. to bring forth]
Paradox #1
Malachi 2:14 discusses marital faithfulness and the covenant of marriage, reflecting cultural and religious values from ancient times. A contradiction or conflict might arise when comparing these values with those in other cultures or later historical periods that had differing views on marriage, gender roles, or divorce. For instance, in some societies, gender equality in marriage has evolved significantly, leading to differing interpretations of the obligations and duties within a marital relationship. This could create a conflict when aligning ancient religious texts with modern socio-cultural perspectives.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Malachi 2:14 could be seen in how the verse highlights the importance of faithfulness in marriage but may seem inconsistent if compared with other biblical passages that depict marriages where women had limited rights or agency. There can be a perceived conflict between the ideal of marital faithfulness and other cultural practices of the time.