Contradictions and Paradoxes in Isaiah 48:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Isaiah 48:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Isaiah 48:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Isaiah, God took care of His people when they were in the desert by giving them water from a rock, so they were never thirsty. This shows how God looks after those He loves, even in tough places.

Isaiah 48:21: And they thirsted not [when] he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.

Contradiction with Exodus 17:6

This verse speaks about God instructing Moses to strike the rock at Horeb to bring forth water for the Israelites, which implies that the provision was conditional upon an action, whereas Isaiah 48:21 suggests direct provision without action.

Exodus 17:6: Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

Contradiction with Numbers 20:11-12

Here, Moses strikes the rock twice to bring out water, but God reprimands him for not following instructions, indicating there were specific conditions for provision, contrary to the unconditional provision in Isaiah 48:21.

Numbers 20:11-12: And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts [also].

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 8:15

This verse mentions God bringing water from the flinty rock, reinforcing that although the provision was miraculous, it was also part of the Israelites' trials, in contrast to a straightforward provision as highlighted in Isaiah 48:21.

Deuteronomy 8:15: Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, [wherein were] fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where [there was] no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;

Contradiction with Psalm 78:20

The Israelites doubt whether God can provide water and food in the desert, showing a lack of faith in continual provision, which contrasts with Isaiah 48:21's assurance of God's provision.

Psalm 78:20: Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?

Contradiction with Lamentations 4:4

Describes the plight of children being thirsty, suggesting a lack of water, contradicting the notion of God's abundant provision in Isaiah 48:21 during their journey.

Lamentations 4:4: The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, [and] no man breaketh [it] unto them.
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