Contradictions and Paradoxes in Isaiah 23:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Isaiah 23:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Isaiah 23:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Isaiah, God is telling a forgotten person to play music and sing songs so people will remember them again. It's like when you want to remind your friends you're there by doing something nice or fun.

Isaiah 23:16: Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.

Contradiction with Proverbs 31:30

This verse highlights the value of fearing the Lord over outward charm and beauty, contrasting the call to be a "harlot" and appeal through music in Isaiah 23:16.

Proverbs 31:30: Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:3-4

Emphasizes inner beauty and a gentle, quiet spirit, conflicting with the outward seductive and musical appeal suggested in Isaiah 23:16.

1 Peter 3:3-4: Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 2:9-10

Encourages women to dress modestly and with good works, opposing the portrayal of overt allure and promiscuity in Isaiah 23:16.

1 Timothy 2:9-10: In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; [broided: or, plaited]

Contradiction with James 4:4

Warns against friendship with the world being enmity with God, contradicting the call to use worldly means to attract attention in Isaiah 23:16.

James 4:4: Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:28

Condemns looking at a woman lustfully, in opposition to Isaiah 23:16's suggestion to entice through performance and appearance.

Matthew 5:28: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Paradox #1

This verse suggests a behavior that goes against certain moral teachings found elsewhere in the Bible, such as humility and modesty. It may seem to promote seeking attention or using one's talents for selfish purposes, which could conflict with teachings that encourage using gifts for service to others or for worship.

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