Contradiction with Isaiah 45:9
This verse suggests that it is improper for the creation to question its creator's plans, which could contradict the notion of a specific human, like Cyrus, being called to fulfill God's will.
Isaiah 45:9: Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd [strive] with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Contradiction with Matthew 16:18
This verse establishes Peter as the foundation of the church, contrasting with Isaiah 44:28's emphasis on Cyrus rebuilding Jerusalem, not the church.
Matthew 16:18: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [Peter: this name signifies a rock]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 1:27
Highlights God choosing the foolish and weak things of the world, which contrasts with selecting a powerful ruler like Cyrus to fulfill His purpose.
1 Corinthians 1:27: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Contradiction with Daniel 4:17
States that God gives kingdoms to the lowliest of men, which contradicts the elevation of a king like Cyrus for a divine mission as mentioned in Isaiah 44:28.
Daniel 4:17: This matter [is] by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 18:6
Depicts God as a potter with complete control, contrasting with the empowerment of an individual like Cyrus to enact His plans.
Jeremiah 18:6: O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay [is] in the potter's hand, so [are] ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
Contradiction with Hebrews 3:3-4
Compares the honor of builders of houses to God's ultimate design, challenging the honor given to Cyrus in the act of rebuilding Jerusalem.
Hebrews 3:3-4: For this [man] was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
Paradox #1
Isaiah 44:28 mentions a ruler by name before he was born, which some people find confusing because it seems to predict specific future events. This might seem inconsistent because such specific predictions are not common in many parts of religious texts. Some wonder how free will fits with such predetermined events.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency associated with this verse is that it mentions Cyrus by name as the one who will fulfill certain tasks, even though Isaiah's prophecies were reportedly written many years before Cyrus became king. This has led some scholars to debate whether it was a prophecy or if it was written after the events occurred.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency in this verse could arise from the idea of divine endorsement of a specific political leader or ruler, which might conflict with the principle of free will or the idea that leadership should be based on people's choice. It can also raise questions about the fairness and justice of God selecting and using one individual to achieve divine plans, potentially affecting the lives of many others without their input.