Nehemiah 13:6 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Nehemiah, he was not in Jerusalem because he had gone back to the king of Babylon for a while. After some time, he asked the king if he could return to Jerusalem.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:1

This verse states that there is a time for every purpose under heaven, potentially contradicting the specific timing constraints mentioned in Nehemiah 13:6, where Nehemiah was absent for certain events.

Ecclesiastes 3:1: To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Contradiction with Proverbs 16:9

This verse highlights that a man's heart devises his way, but the Lord directs his steps, which may contradict Nehemiah 13:6 where it implies Nehemiah's physical absence affected the reforms.

Proverbs 16:9: A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Contradiction with Job 23:10

This passage suggests God's presence and guidance are unwavering, which could contradict the scenario in Nehemiah 13:6 where Nehemiah's absence leads to a lapse in adherence to the covenant.

Job 23:10: But he knoweth the way that I take: [when] he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. [that...: Heb. that is with me]

Contradiction with Psalm 46:1

God is described as a present help in trouble, which might contradict the implication in Nehemiah 13:6 that Nehemiah’s absence resulted in significant backsliding.

Psalm 46:1: [To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.] God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [for: or, of]

Contradiction with Isaiah 55:8-9

This verse shows that God's ways are higher than ours, potentially contradicting the human planning and absence depicted in Nehemiah 13:6 as pivotal to events unfolding.

Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:23

This verse declares that man's way is not in himself, and that it is not in man to direct his steps, which suggests divine control over circumstances, potentially contradicting Nehemiah 13:6 emphasis on Nehemiah's physical absence causing specific outcomes.