Contradiction with Exodus 29:18
This verse describes burnt offerings as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, whereas Isaiah 1:13 criticizes mere offerings without true righteousness.
Exodus 29:18: And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it [is] a burnt offering unto the LORD: it [is] a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
Contradiction with Leviticus 1:9
Here, burnt offerings are described as a sweet savor to the Lord, contrary to Isaiah 1:13 where such rituals are rejected if not backed by genuine worship.
Leviticus 1:9: But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, [to be] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
Contradiction with Numbers 28:2
God commands the offerings, indicating their necessity, which contradicts Isaiah 1:13's message that such offerings are unwelcome if they're hypocritical.
Numbers 28:2: Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, [and] my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, [for] a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season. [a sweet...: Heb. a savour of my rest]
Contradiction with Psalm 51:19
This verse suggests sacrifices are pleasing after repentance, contrasting with Isaiah 1:13’s rejection of sacrifices from the unrighteous.
Psalm 51:19: Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
Contradiction with Hebrews 10:8
This verse reiterates God’s lack of desire for burnt offerings and sacrifices, connecting it to a need for obedience, somewhat aligning but showing a means for continuation rather than blanket refusal.
Hebrews 10:8: Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law;
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:22
Emphasizes that obedience is better than sacrifice, thus indirectly contrasting with Isaiah 1:13 by showing a potential pathway to acceptable worship.
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.
Paradox #1
Isaiah 1:13 speaks against offering meaningless sacrifices, which might seem contradictory to earlier parts of the Bible where sacrifices are commanded and detailed for worship. This could be seen as inconsistent because it questions previously prescribed religious practices. However, the emphasis is on the insincerity and wrong intentions behind the acts of worship, not on the rituals themselves.