Contradiction with Isaiah 45:9
This verse emphasizes that creation cannot question the creator, while Isaiah 10:15 metaphorically suggests questioning the instrument of action in the hands of its wielder.
Isaiah 45:9: Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd [strive] with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Contradiction with Jeremiah 18:6
Here, God portrays himself as the potter with ultimate control, in contrast to Isaiah 10:15 where the tool questions its user.
Jeremiah 18:6: O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay [is] in the potter's hand, so [are] ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
Contradiction with John 15:5
This verse highlights human dependence on God, contrasting with the tool's implied autonomy in Isaiah 10:15.
John 15:5: I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [without me: or, severed from me]
Contradiction with Romans 9:20
This passage stresses that creations should not question their creator, opposing the implication of Isaiah 10:15.
Romans 9:20: Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why hast thou made me thus? [repliest...: or, answerest again, or, disputest with God?]
Paradox #1
Isaiah 10:15 might seem to contradict the idea of human free will. It presents the image of a tool or instrument being used, suggesting that a person is powerless on their own and entirely dependent on the one wielding them. This might conflict with other biblical passages that emphasize individual responsibility and free choice, suggesting that humans have a role in their own actions and decisions. It raises questions about the balance between divine sovereignty and human agency.
Paradox #2
The verse could be seen as illustrating a contradiction about the role of human agency versus divine will. It questions how much credit or responsibility humans should take for their actions when those actions may be influenced or directed by a higher power. This can lead to discussions about free will versus predestination, where it seems inconsistent how much control individuals truly have if God is ultimately guiding events.
Paradox #3
Isaiah 10:15 can raise questions about the balance between human agency and divine control. The verse emphasizes that tools (like an ax or saw) do not act independently but are directed by someone wielding them. This can be seen as contradictory because, in other parts of the Bible, humans are held accountable for their actions as independent moral agents. This raises a possible conflict about whether people truly have free will if their actions are ultimately directed by a higher power.