Contradiction with Isaiah 1:11
This verse emphasizes that sacrifices are not desired by God when devoid of righteousness, contrasting with the sacrificial system seemingly endorsed elsewhere.
Isaiah 1:11: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [he goats: Heb. great he goats]
Contradiction with Hosea 6:6
Emphasizes God's desire for mercy over sacrifice, contradicting the idea of ritual importance in Isaiah 1:10.
Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:22
Highlights obedience over sacrifice, contradicting the practices of sacrifice criticized in Isaiah.
1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.
Contradiction with Psalm 51:16
Suggests God does not delight in sacrifice, aligning with Isaiah's criticism of empty ritual.
Psalm 51:16: For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering. [else...: or, that I should]
Contradiction with Amos 5:21-22
Expresses God's disdain for feasts and burnt offerings, similar to Isaiah's message.
Amos 5:21-22: I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. [in...: or, your holy days]
Contradiction with Micah 6:6-8
Argues that God desires justice and humility over sacrifices, presenting a contrast with ritual focus in Isaiah 1:10.
Micah 6:6-8: Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, [and] bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? [of a...: Heb. sons of a year?]
Contradiction with Matthew 9:13
Jesus quotes Hosea, emphasizing mercy over sacrifice, which aligns with the critique in Isaiah 1:10.
Matthew 9:13: But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Paradox #1
Isaiah 1:10 draws a comparison between the leaders of Jerusalem and the leaders of Sodom and Gomorrah, known in biblical tradition for their wickedness. The potential contradiction lies in the historical accounts and perspectives of these cities. While Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed earlier in the biblical timeline, significant differences in time, location, and context exist compared to Jerusalem's leaders when Isaiah was writing. This comparison might seem inconsistent to some, given the vast differences between the historical situations of the two.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Isaiah 1:10 could be seen in the critique of religious rituals being performed without sincerity or justice. If people continue practicing rituals but live unjustly, it conflicts with the teaching that true faith should be reflected in actions. This inconsistency lies in the separation between religious observance and moral living.