Contradiction with Jeremiah 29:7
While Isaiah 48:20 urges departure from Babylon, Jeremiah encourages seeking peace in the city where they have been carried away, including Babylon, suggesting staying there for good.
Jeremiah 29:7: And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Isaiah 48:20 speaks to leaving Babylon behind, but Matthew 5:44 encourages believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, promoting peaceful coexistence instead of separation.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Romans 13:1
Isaiah 48:20 implies leaving the rule of a foreign power, whereas Romans 13:1 advises submitting to governing authorities, suggesting compliance rather than escape.
Romans 13:1: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [ordained: or, ordered]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:20
Isaiah calls for a move from one's current position, but 1 Corinthians 7:20 recommends staying in the condition you were called, promoting stability over change.
1 Corinthians 7:20: Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
Contradiction with Matthew 28:19
Isaiah encourages leaving a specific nation, while Matthew 28:19 commands going into all nations, promoting engagement rather than departure.
Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [teach...: or, make disciples, or, Christians of all nations]
Paradox #1
This verse might seem to promote the idea of fleeing or leaving behind a challenging situation or place. Some could see this as inconsistent with other teachings that emphasize endurance, patience, or trusting in divine timing, suggesting a tension between acting quickly versus waiting for divine intervention.