Contradiction with Exodus 31:3-5
This verse describes God giving wisdom and skill in carving and craftsmanship, whereas Isaiah 40:19 speaks against crafting idols.
Exodus 31:3-5: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
Contradiction with Exodus 25:18-20
God commands the making of cherubim as part of the Ark, contrasting Isaiah 40:19's implication against crafted idols.
Exodus 25:18-20: And thou shalt make two cherubims [of] gold, [of] beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 6:23-28
Solomon builds cherubim for the temple, which involves crafting, contrary to Isaiah 40:19's negative view on making idols.
1 Kings 6:23-28: And within the oracle he made two cherubims [of] olive tree, [each] ten cubits high. [olive: or, oily: Heb. trees of oil]
Contradiction with Genesis 31:19
Rachel steals idols from her father, showing a contrasting scenario to the notion of idols in Isaiah 40:19.
Genesis 31:19: And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that [were] her father's. [images: Heb. teraphim]
Contradiction with Acts 19:24-27
Demetrius speaks for crafting idols of Diana, which conflicts with the critique of idol-making in Isaiah 40:19.
Acts 19:24-27: For a certain [man] named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
Paradox #1
Isaiah 40:19 discusses the making of idols. The contradiction or conflict here could be that while the Bible often criticizes the practice of idol-making and worship, ancient Israelite history shows that people frequently engaged in these practices despite religious teachings against them. This shows a disconnect between religious teachings and actual historical behavior.
Paradox #2
The verse refers to making an image or idol, which involves crafting a statue using tools and materials. The potential scientific inconsistency here could be related to the idea that idols or statues have any form of power or divinity. Scientifically, objects are inanimate and can't possess supernatural abilities or influence. This conflicts with the notion that physical items could hold or channel divine power.Note: The above explanation is a general interpretation of the concept of idolatry in the context of scientific reasoning and does not directly critique the specific verse's content.