Contradiction with Isaiah 40:18
This verse questions to whom God can be compared, implying the folly of idolatry, which contrasts with Isaiah 44:19's depiction of people failing to recognize this folly.
Isaiah 40:18: To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
Contradiction with Jeremiah 10:14
This verse states that every man is brutish in his knowledge, signifying that idols are falsehood, contrasting with the people's failure to see this in Isaiah 44:19.
Jeremiah 10:14: Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image [is] falsehood, and [there is] no breath in them. [brutish in his knowledge: or, more brutish than to know]
Contradiction with Psalm 135:15-18
These verses describe idol worshippers becoming like their lifeless idols, which contradicts the discernment mentioned as lacking in Isaiah 44:19.
Psalm 135:15-18: The idols of the heathen [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Contradiction with Hosea 4:6
This verse states people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, suggesting a deliberate rejection, while Isaiah 44:19 shows unawareness.
Hosea 4:6: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. [destroyed: Heb. cut off]
Contradiction with Romans 1:21-23
These verses discuss how people knowing God choose idols instead, which contrasts with the ignorance highlighted in Isaiah 44:19.
Romans 1:21-23: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Paradox #1
Isaiah 44:19 could potentially highlight contradictions related to idolatry. The verse deals with the foolishness of worshipping idols, which is a recurring theme in the Bible where such practices are condemned. Some might see a contradiction because elsewhere in history, figures like Moses created objects (like the bronze serpent) that were revered or had specific religious significance. This can seem inconsistent with the strong denunciation of idol-making. However, the contradictions often arise from differences in context, intention, and the distinction between a symbol versus an idol.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency in this context could be that it criticizes people for using the same piece of wood to make an idol for worship and to cook food, pointing out the absurdity or inconsistency in their actions and beliefs. This highlights the conflict between idol worship and logical reasoning.