Contradictions and Paradoxes in Isaiah 41:23

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Isaiah 41:23 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Isaiah 41:23. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Isaiah, this verse is asking others to show they have special powers by telling the future or doing something amazing, so everyone can see if they really are like gods. It’s like asking someone to prove they are special by doing something only someone very powerful can do.

Isaiah 41:23: Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye [are] gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold [it] together.

Contradiction with Isaiah 46:9-10

This verse asserts God's unique ability to declare the end from the beginning, contradicting the challenge to idols in Isaiah 41:23 to predict future events.

Isaiah 46:9-10: Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me,

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:22

This verse describes a true prophecy as the one that comes to pass, which contrasts the challenge in Isaiah 41:23 for idols to show their divinity by predicting the future.

Deuteronomy 18:22: When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, [but] the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

Contradiction with Isaiah 44:7

This verse emphasizes that there is no one like God who can proclaim and declare events, contradicting the invitation to demonstrate divine power in Isaiah 41:23.

Isaiah 44:7: And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:5

This verse declares that idols cannot speak or do any harm or good, contradicting the challenge to idols in Isaiah 41:23 to prove their divinity through prophecy.

Jeremiah 10:5: They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good.

Paradox #1

Isaiah 41:23 challenges idols to predict the future or perform any act to prove their divinity, showcasing the supremacy of the one true God. A possible theological conflict might arise when comparing this with other parts of the Bible that emphasize faith over seeking signs or miracles as proof, such as in the New Testament. Some might see a tension between the demand for a sign here and the emphasis on faith elsewhere.

Paradox #2

The contradiction or inconsistency could arise from the idea of challenging the validity of prophets or deities by asking them to prove their power or foretell the future. Some might argue that this can conflict with the notion of faith, which often involves belief without demanding evidence. This could lead to tension between the need for faith and the desire for proof or tangible signs.

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