Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
"Thou shalt not kill." This contradicts Isaiah 13:18's depiction of killing without pity.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you..." This contradicts the merciless violence described in Isaiah 13:18.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
"Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." This suggests leaving vengeance to God, contrasting human-performed vengeance in Isaiah 13:18.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Proverbs 12:10
"A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." This implies valuing life, contradicting the lack of mercy in Isaiah 13:18.
Proverbs 12:10: A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel. [tender...: or, bowels]
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:4
"And they shall beat their swords into plowshares..." This vision of peace contradicts the violent destruction in Isaiah 13:18.
Isaiah 2:4: And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes]
Paradox #1
Isaiah 13:18 could be seen as a contradiction or conflict because it talks about violence and destruction, which might seem inconsistent with the often-promoted image of a loving and merciful God. This may raise questions about reconciling a message of compassion with one that includes harsh judgment and wrath.
Paradox #2
Isaiah 13:18 mentions the violent actions of the Medes, which can seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that promote mercy and compassion. The depiction of such harsh behavior may contrast with the New Testament teachings of love and forgiveness.
Paradox #3
Isaiah 13:18 talks about a violent and brutal event. The contradiction or conflict could arise from its alignment with the moral teachings elsewhere in the Bible, which often emphasize compassion and forgiveness. This creates an inconsistency for those trying to reconcile this verse with the broader message of love and mercy found in other biblical texts.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this context could relate to the described act of violence and disregard for human life, which modern ethics and international laws strongly oppose. It may conflict with contemporary values of human rights and the protection of civilians, particularly children, in times of conflict.
Paradox #5
The moral conflict in this verse could arise from the depiction of violence and lack of mercy. This can be troubling for some people who believe that moral teachings should promote kindness and forgiveness rather than harshness and destruction.