Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse commands the worship of no other gods besides the Lord, contradicting Isaiah 44:17 where an idol is worshipped.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Exodus 34:14
It emphasizes God is a jealous God and prohibits idol worship, contrary to Isaiah 44:17 which describes idol worship.
Exodus 34:14: For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God:
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14
Warns against following other gods, conflicting with the idol worship depicted in Isaiah 44:17.
Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 12:30-31
Advises against being ensnared by the worship of false gods, contrasting the idol worship in Isaiah 44:17.
Deuteronomy 12:30-31: Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. [by...: Heb. after them]
Contradiction with 2 Kings 17:35
Reminds Israel not to fear or worship other gods, in opposition to the idol worship mentioned in Isaiah 44:17.
2 Kings 17:35: With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:
Contradiction with Jeremiah 25:6
Warns not to serve other gods, contrasting with the worship of an idol in Isaiah 44:17.
Jeremiah 25:6: And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.
Contradiction with Hosea 13:4
Affirms there is no savior besides God, opposing the idol's role as a god in Isaiah 44:17.
Hosea 13:4: Yet I [am] the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for [there is] no saviour beside me.
Paradox #1
Isaiah 44:17 discusses the act of worshipping an idol made by human hands. The contradiction arises because the Bible also teaches that God is the only true deity, and worship should be directed only to Him. Creating and worshipping an idol contradicts this core teaching about monotheism and the exclusive worship of God.
Paradox #2
Isaiah 44:17 highlights the foolishness of idolatry, as people worship objects they create themselves. The contradiction could arise when comparing this to biblical stories where physical objects are used in worship, like the Ark of the Covenant or the bronze serpent, which are also man-made but sanctioned by God. The inconsistency lies in condemning idol worship while allowing specific objects to aid in worship under God's guidance.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction or conflict might be with the practice of idolatry, where making and worshipping idols is criticized in Isaiah, while in history, many cultures and even some Israelites fell into idol worship despite these warnings. This could be seen as inconsistent with their beliefs in one God.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in this verse could be seen in the foolishness of worshipping a man-made object, even though the object was created by human hands. This practice contrasts with the idea of worshipping a living, omnipotent God, highlighting the inconsistency in seeking divine power from something that humans themselves crafted.