What is the wisdom behind mentioning the descriptions of the Prophet’s alternative wives in Surat At-Tahrim, and why were these descriptions not considered applicable to the Prophet’s wives? Does this contradict the verse: "You are not like any other women, if you are righteous"?

The wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him) were Muslim believers, and the noble verse does not negate this. Rather, its intent is that Allah would marry His Prophet to women of greater faith, submission to Islam, and devotion (qanut) if he were to divorce them. This is a declaration of divine power, not of an actual occurrence, as Allah knew that His Prophet would not divorce them. This is similar to His (the Exalted) saying: "O you who have believed, believe" (Quran 4:136), meaning increase in faith, and His saying: "And if you turn away, He will replace [you with] other people" (Quran 47:38), which is a declaration of power, for the Companions are the best of people.