Contradictions and Paradoxes in Nehemiah 5:5

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Nehemiah 5:5 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Nehemiah 5:5. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Nehemiah, the people were very sad because they had to sell their sons and daughters to be servants because they were poor and had lost their land. They felt trapped and couldn't get their children back or their land because other people owned them now.

Nehemiah 5:5: Yet now our flesh [is] as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and [some] of our daughters are brought unto bondage [already]: neither [is it] in our power [to redeem them]; for other men have our lands and vineyards.

Contradiction with Exodus 22:25

This verse instructs not to charge interest to the poor, contradicting Nehemiah 5:5 where the people complain about exploitation and high interest rates.

Exodus 22:25: If thou lend money to [any of] my people [that is] poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 23:19

It prohibits charging interest to fellow Israelites, which contradicts the situation in Nehemiah 5:5 where there is economic oppression and usury among the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 23:19: Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:

Contradiction with Leviticus 25:35-37

This passage advises helping fellow Israelites by lending without interest, contrasting with Nehemiah 5:5 where people complain about high-interest loans that lead them to lose land and freedom.

Leviticus 25:35-37: And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: [yea, though he be] a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. [fallen...: Heb. his hand faileth] [relieve: Heb. strengthen]

Contradiction with Psalm 15:5

This verse states that a righteous person does not lend money at interest, contradicting the unethical lending practices mentioned in Nehemiah 5:5.

Psalm 15:5: [He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.

Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:8

It describes a righteous man as one who does not take interest or profit, opposing the exploitation described in Nehemiah 5:5 where people complain about being financially oppressed.

Ezekiel 18:8: He [that] hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, [that] hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,

Paradox #1

Nehemiah 5:5 highlights the struggle of people who are forced to sell their children into slavery due to poverty, even though they share the same heritage as the wealthier individuals around them. The contradiction here is that within a community that is supposed to treat each other as equals and look after one another, some members are pushed into severe hardship and exploitation. This situation conflicts with the broader biblical teachings of compassion, justice, and caring for one's neighbor.

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