Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse commands love and prayer for enemies, contrasting with the idea of enemies being given to drink from the cup of wrath in Isaiah 51:23.
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 12:17-19
This passage advises against repaying evil for evil and promotes living peacefully, contradicting the retribution toward enemies depicted in Isaiah 51:23.
Romans 12:17-19: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Contradiction with Proverbs 25:21-22
Encouraging feeding and giving water to enemies as a form of kindness, which opposes the idea of making enemies drink from God's wrathful cup.
Proverbs 25:21-22: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Contradiction with Luke 6:27-28
These verses instruct to do good to those who hate you, contrasting with the vengeful imagery of Isaiah 51:23.
Luke 6:27-28: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:9
Advises against repaying evil with evil or insult with insult, instead favoring blessing, differing from the punishment of enemies in Isaiah 51:23.
1 Peter 3:9: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Contradiction with Proverbs 24:17-18
Cautions against rejoicing when an enemy falls, which differs from the scene of triumph over enemies in Isaiah 51:23.
Proverbs 24:17-18: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Contradiction with Exodus 23:4-5
Encourages helping one's enemy if they are in trouble, in contrast to punishing them as depicted in Isaiah 51:23.
Exodus 23:4-5: If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
Contradiction with Leviticus 19:18
Endorses not seeking revenge or bearing a grudge, differing from Isaiah 51:23's message of retribution.
Leviticus 19:18: Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.
Contradiction with Luke 23:34
Jesus asks forgiveness for his persecutors, presenting a forgiving stance rather than the vengeful outcome of Isaiah 51:23.
Luke 23:34: Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Paradox #1
This verse may raise questions about fairness or justice because it talks about a reversal of roles where oppressors will be punished by being made to suffer in the same way they made others suffer. The moral conflict could be whether it is just to inflict suffering as a means of retribution, sparking debate over the ethics of punishment and whether it should involve causing harm.