Isaiah 36:12 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Isaiah, Rabshakeh was a messenger who spoke scary words to make people feel afraid. He wanted them to give up and lose hope by saying things that would be very hard to hear.

Contradiction with 1 Kings 22:28

This verse illustrates Micaiah prophesying boldly before King Ahab, contrasting with the strategy Isaiah 36:12 suggests of demoralizing people with threats.

1 Kings 22:28: And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

Jesus instructs to love your enemies, which contradicts the antagonistic and derogatory intent expressed towards the people in Isaiah 36:12.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Proverbs 15:1

This verse promotes a gentle answer, opposing the harsh approach implied in Isaiah 36:12.

Proverbs 15:1: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Contradiction with Romans 12:20

Paul advocates for kindness to enemies by doing good, contrasting with the message of distress indicated in Isaiah 36:12.

Romans 12:20: Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

These verses discuss spiritual warfare not using worldly methods, contradicting the use of psychological warfare shown in Isaiah 36:12.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

Contradiction with Ephesians 4:29

Encourages speaking only what is helpful for building others up, which contradicts the demoralizing tactic in Isaiah 36:12.

Ephesians 4:29: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. [to...: or, to edify profitably]

Contradiction with James 3:17

This verse describes wisdom as pure and peaceable, contradicting the provocative message in Isaiah 36:12.

James 3:17: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [partiality: or, wrangling]