Contradictions and Paradoxes in Isaiah 40:16

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Isaiah 40:16 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Isaiah 40:16. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Isaiah, even the big forests and animals from Lebanon are not enough to make a gift big enough for God. This shows how mighty and great God really is.

Isaiah 40:16: And Lebanon [is] not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:22

This verse emphasizes obedience over sacrifice, potentially contradicting Isaiah 40:16 where the lands and resources would not be enough for a sacrifice to honor God.

1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 7:22-23

Here, God indicates He did not command sacrifices when He brought Israel out of Egypt, contrasting with the abundance of sacrifices in Isaiah 40:16.

Jeremiah 7:22-23: For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: [concerning: Heb. concerning the matter of]

Contradiction with Hosea 6:6

God desires mercy and knowledge of Himself more than burnt offerings, which contrasts with the emphasis on sacrificial insufficiency in Isaiah 40:16.

Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Contradiction with Psalm 50:8-12

God indicates He does not need sacrifices from humans since He owns everything, differing from the depiction in Isaiah 40:16 of the regions' insufficiency for sacrifice.

Psalm 50:8-12: I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, [to have been] continually before me.

Contradiction with Amos 5:21-22

God expresses disdain for Israel's sacrifices and solemn assemblies, which contrasts with the suggestion in Isaiah 40:16 that even the grandest sacrifices are inadequate.

Amos 5:21-22: I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. [in...: or, your holy days]
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