Contradiction with Ruth 1:16
Ruth, a Moabite woman, is embraced by the Jewish community, contradicting the notion of excluding foreign spouses.
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
Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations suggests inclusivity, contrasting with opposition to foreign marriages.
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 Galatians 3:28
This verse emphasizes unity in Christ regardless of ethnic background, opposing segregation based on foreign marriages.
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.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 11:1-3
King Solomon's many foreign wives are mentioned without direct condemnation, contrasting Nehemiah's negative view.
1 Kings 11:1-3: But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites; [together...: or, beside]
Contradiction with Acts 10:34-35
Peter states that God shows no partiality among nations, which challenges the discouragement of foreign marital ties.
Acts 10:34-35: Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Paradox #1
The conflict could arise from the idea that the verse suggests strict separation based on ethnicity, which might seem at odds with other biblical themes of inclusivity and love for all people, such as those found in the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.
Paradox #2
Nehemiah 13:23 mentions Jewish men marrying foreign women, which could be seen as contradictory to earlier biblical texts that acknowledge and even celebrate marriages with foreign individuals, like that of Ruth and Boaz. This inconsistency could point to differing attitudes toward intermarriage over time in the biblical narrative.
Paradox #3
Nehemiah 13:23 might raise contradictions or conflicts because it discusses the issue of intermarriage between Israelites and foreign women. The moral conflict could arise in today's context regarding views on racial and cultural integration versus the preservation of cultural or religious identity. Some may see the restriction as conflicting with modern values of acceptance and inclusivity.