Contradiction with Exodus 20:4
This verse commands not to make any graven image, aligning with Isaiah 44:9's criticism of idol-making, so it reinforces rather than contradicts.
Exodus 20:4: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:
Contradiction with Acts 17:29
This verse emphasizes that the divine nature should not be likened to gold or silver or stone, aligning with Isaiah 44:9's critique rather than contradicting.
Acts 17:29: Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 8:4
This verse acknowledges that an idol is nothing in the world and that there is no other God but one, which aligns with Isaiah 44:9's stance against idols.
1 Corinthians 8:4: As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.
Contradiction with Isaiah 40:18
This verse asks to whom God can be likened, reinforcing the futility of idols as stated in Isaiah 44:9, thus not a contradiction.
Isaiah 40:18: To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
Contradiction with Psalm 115:4-8
This passage describes the ineffectiveness of idols, aligning with Isaiah 44:9's view rather than contradicting it.
Psalm 115:4-8: Their idols [are] silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Paradox #1
The contradiction with Isaiah 44:9 could lie in the context of idol worship. The Bible often criticizes idol worship, including in this verse, but historically, many cultures surrounding ancient Israel engaged in idol worship, and even some Israelites participated in it despite the biblical prohibitions. This creates a tension between the biblical text's condemnation and the archaeological evidence of idol worship practices in the region.
Paradox #2
This verse criticizes idol-making and idol worship, emphasizing the futility of creating and revering such objects. A contradiction could arise when comparing this with parts of religious practice that involve physical symbols and rituals. Some might argue there's inconsistency in criticizing one form of symbolic representation while engaging in another, though defenders typically explain that intention and context differ.