Contradiction with John 7:41-42
These verses suggest that Christ would come from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem where David was, which agrees with Matthew 2:6, but John 7:41-42 includes the confusion among people regarding Jesus' origin from Galilee, contradicting the clarity of Matthew 2:6 about Bethlehem.
John 7:41-42: Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?
Contradiction with Micah 5:2
Although this is the prophecy quoted in Matthew 2:6, there is an apparent contradiction in the interpretation of "ruler in Israel" because Micah 5:2 emphasizes an eternal origin which is not overtly highlighted in Matthew 2:6.
Micah 5:2: But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting. [everlasting: Heb. the days of eternity]
Contradiction with Matthew 21:11
This verse refers to Jesus as the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee, contradicting the implication in Matthew 2:6 that Bethlehem is His origin by emphasizing His Galilean association instead.
Matthew 21:11: And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
Contradiction with Luke 2:39
This verse mentions returning to Galilee to their own city Nazareth right after birth events, which seems to contradict Matthew’s emphasis on Bethlehem as being the significant prophetic fulfillment location for the ruler’s birth.
Luke 2:39: And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
Paradox #1
Matthew 2:6 quotes a prophecy about a ruler coming from Bethlehem. However, some scholars point out that the original text in the book of Micah (Micah 5:2) might not clearly support this interpretation. The interpretation in Matthew could be seen as a selective reading or adaptation to fit the narrative of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. This inconsistency between the original prophecy and its application in the New Testament could be viewed as a historical or textual conflict.
Paradox #2
In Matthew 2:6, there is a possible contradiction related to the Old Testament reference. The verse mentions Bethlehem in the land of Judah as being "least among the rulers of Judah," which seems to contradict Micah 5:2, where Bethlehem is described as "little among the thousands of Judah." The perceived inconsistency arises from differing descriptions of Bethlehem's status or prominence.