Contradictions and Paradoxes in Isaiah 23:2

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Isaiah 23:2 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Isaiah 23:2. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Isaiah, God is telling the people who live on the island to be quiet. This is because the traders from Zidon who travel across the sea have brought many goods to them.

Isaiah 23:2: Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle; thou whom the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished. [still: Heb. silent]

Contradiction with Proverbs 17:22

While Isaiah 23:2 calls for silence, Proverbs 17:22 suggests that a merry heart (often expressed with joyful noise) does good like medicine.

Proverbs 17:22: A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. [like: or, to]

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:7

This verse states there is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak, implying that silence is not always necessary as Isaiah 23:2 suggests.

Ecclesiastes 3:7: A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

Contradiction with Psalm 100:1

This verse encourages making a joyful noise unto the Lord, which contradicts the call for silence in Isaiah 23:2.

Psalm 100:1: [A Psalm of praise.] Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. [praise: or, thanksgiving] [all...: Heb. all the earth]

Contradiction with Acts 16:25

Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises aloud at midnight, contrasting the call for silence in Isaiah 23:2.

Acts 16:25: And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Contradiction with Proverbs 15:23

Suggests that a man finds joy in an apt reply, indicating that speaking at the right time is valuable, which contradicts enforced silence.

Proverbs 15:23: A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]! [due...: Heb. his season]

Contradiction with Luke 19:40

Jesus states that if his followers keep silent, the stones will cry out, opposite to the silence in Isaiah 23:2.

Luke 19:40: And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
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