Contradiction with Proverbs 14:28
This verse highlights the glory of a king being in a large population, contradicting the scarcity of people made precious in Isaiah 13:12.
Proverbs 14:28: In the multitude of people [is] the king's honour: but in the want of people [is] the destruction of the prince.
Contradiction with Psalm 127:3
This verse speaks to children being a heritage from the Lord, implying abundance and blessing, unlike the rarity of men in Isaiah 13:12.
Psalm 127:3: Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.
Contradiction with Genesis 1:28
This verse commands mankind to be fruitful and multiply, opposing the idea of making men as rare as fine gold in Isaiah 13:12.
Genesis 1:28: And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. [moveth: Heb. creepeth]
Contradiction with Isaiah 60:22
This verse prophesies the multiplying of a little one into a thousand, opposing the scarcity mentioned in Isaiah 13:12.
Isaiah 60:22: A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.
Contradiction with Genesis 15:5
This verse promises Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars, contradicting the scarcity of men described in Isaiah 13:12.
Genesis 15:5: And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
Paradox #1
One possible conflict regarding Isaiah 13:12 could stem from differing interpretations about the rarity of people compared to gold. Some might argue historically or textually about the likelihood or literalness of this statement, questioning how it fits with known historical populations or symbolic language used elsewhere. However, this largely depends on interpretation rather than contradiction.
Paradox #2
Isaiah 13:12 might raise questions about the value of human life and equality. It suggests that some people will become extremely rare and thus valuable, which could conflict with the idea that all people are equally valuable in the eyes of God. This can be seen as inconsistent with the belief in inherent human dignity.