Contradiction with Romans 9:21
This verse suggests that God, as the potter, has the right to shape the clay vessels as He wishes, whereas Isaiah 29:16 implies that the clay questions the potter's understanding, highlighting a contradiction in authority and understanding.
Romans 9:21: Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
Contradiction with Jeremiah 18:6
Here, God likens Himself to a potter with the people of Israel as clay, emphasizing His authority to shape their destiny, contrasting with Isaiah 29:16 where the pot is questioning the potter's work.
Jeremiah 18:6: O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay [is] in the potter's hand, so [are] ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
Contradiction with Isaiah 45:9
This verse warns against contending with the Maker, using the metaphor of a pot arguing with its potter, which contradicts Isaiah 29:16 where the pot questions the potter's understanding.
Isaiah 45:9: Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd [strive] with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Contradiction with Job 9:12
It underscores God's unquestionable actions, which contrasts with Isaiah 29:16 where the creation questions the creator.
Job 9:12: Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou? [hinder...: Heb. turn him away?]
Contradiction with Job 33:13
Challenges the idea of questioning God’s workings, differing from Isaiah 29:16's implication that the work questions the worker.
Job 33:13: Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. [he giveth...: Heb. he answereth not]
Paradox #1
Isaiah 29:16 challenges people's tendency to question or reverse God's wisdom and authority. The potential contradiction lies in the human inclination to think they know better than God, which conflicts with the belief that God's knowledge and plans are perfect. This can raise questions about human free will versus divine control.
Paradox #2
Isaiah 29:16 might raise questions about human perception versus divine intention. It implies that humans often misunderstand their relationship with God, acting as if they know better than their Creator. The potential contradiction or conflict arises when considering human free will and the idea of predestination. If humans are expected to follow God's design but also have free will, this can seem inconsistent or contradictory. How can they be responsible for their actions if everything is part of a divine plan? This tension between free will and divine control is where some might see a moral inconsistency.