Contradiction with Genesis 3:15
This verse implies enmity between offspring, contrasting with the peaceful coexistence of a child and serpents implied in Isaiah 11:8.
Genesis 3:15: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Contradiction with Numbers 21:6
This verse describes serpents as dangerous, contradicting the harmless depiction of serpents in Isaiah 11:8.
Numbers 21:6: And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
Contradiction with Proverbs 23:32
This verse compares the bite of a serpent to something harmful and painful, which opposes the harmless interaction in Isaiah 11:8.
Proverbs 23:32: At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. [an...: or, a cockatrice]
Paradox #1
Isaiah 11:8 describes a scene of peace and safety involving children and animals. Some people might see a contradiction if they compare this promise of peace with other parts of the Bible that talk about violence or danger. The inconsistency can be about understanding when such peace will occur or how it fits with real-world experiences of danger.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in this verse involves the behavior of wild animals, such as the implication that a child could play safely near dangerous animals like snakes. In reality, snakes are generally not safe for children to approach because they can be venomous and aggressive if threatened. This scenario contradicts our understanding of animal behavior and ecology.
Paradox #3
The verse from Isaiah suggests a peaceful coexistence between humans, animals, and nature, depicting harmony in the world. The contradiction or inconsistency here could be the contrast with the current reality, where there is often conflict and danger in human interaction with nature and animals. This ideal vision might seem unattainable or unrealistic given the present state of the world.