Contradiction with Psalm 118:8
Suggests that it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man, whereas Isaiah 30:3 warns against relying on Egypt, metaphorically representing human or worldly help.
Psalm 118:8: [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5
Encourages trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding, which contrasts with Isaiah 30:3’s implication of seeking earthly assistance and security.
Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 17:5
States that one is cursed who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, directly opposing the reliance on foreign aid and protection suggested in Isaiah 30:3.
Jeremiah 17:5: Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
Contradiction with Psalm 146:3
Advises not to put trust in princes or in mortal man, where there is no salvation, challenging the idea presented in Isaiah 30:3 about seeking safety through alliances with other nations.
Psalm 146:3: Put not your trust in princes, [nor] in the son of man, in whom [there is] no help. [help: or, salvation]
Contradiction with Isaiah 31:1
Warns against those who go down to Egypt for help, rely on horses, and trust in chariots, essentially contradicting Isaiah 30:3 by emphasizing that such reliance will lead to failure without considering God's strength.
Isaiah 31:1: Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
Paradox #1
Isaiah 30:3 discusses trust in human power (like Egypt in this context) instead of God. The potential contradiction or conflict might arise when considering the Bible's overarching theme of relying solely on God's strength and guidance. If people look to human solutions rather than divine help, it could contradict the teachings that emphasize faith and dependence on God. However, understanding context and interpretation is key.
Paradox #2
Isaiah 30:3 suggests relying on Egypt for protection is a mistake, yet historically, at various times, the Kingdom of Judah did seek alliances with Egypt, believing it would help them against other powers like Assyria or Babylon. This creates a contradiction as the biblical text advises against depending on such alliances, yet historically, these alliances were indeed pursued.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in Isaiah 30:3 might arise from trusting in human power or foreign nations instead of relying on divine support. This can be seen as conflicting with the idea that faith should be placed solely in God, highlighting a tension between seeking help from worldly sources and maintaining spiritual allegiance.