Contradiction with Matthew 6:16
Isaiah 58:5 criticizes superficial fasting, while Matthew 6:16 encourages genuine fasting but warns against making one's fasting appearance obvious and for show.
Matthew 6:16: Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Contradiction with Mark 2:18-20
Isaiah 58:5 addresses improper fasting, while in Mark 2:18-20, Jesus acknowledges fasting but indicates there are times when it is inappropriate, like when He is present.
Mark 2:18-20: And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
Contradiction with Joel 2:12-13
Isaiah 58:5 critiques insincere fasting, whereas Joel 2:12-13 urges heartfelt fasting, which aligns with God's expectations rather than surface-level acts.
Joel 2:12-13: Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye [even] to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
Contradiction with Zechariah 7:5-6
Isaiah 58:5 reflects on fasting done for self-serving reasons, contrasted by Zechariah 7:5-6, where God questions whether past fasting was genuinely devoted to Him.
Zechariah 7:5-6: Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh [month], even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, [even] to me?
Contradiction with Amos 5:21-23
Isaiah 58:5 denounces hollow fasting, similar to Amos 5:21-23, which condemns insincere worship practices, suggesting that rituals without righteousness are rejected by God.
Amos 5:21-23: I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. [in...: or, your holy days]
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:13-17
Isaiah 58:5 criticizes fasting that lacks true repentance, whereas Isaiah 1:13-17 also condemns hollow rituals and calls for justice and righteousness instead.
Isaiah 1:13-17: Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting. [iniquity: or, grief]
Paradox #1
Isaiah 58:5 discusses insincere religious fasting, where people go through the motions without genuine devotion or righteous behavior. A potential doctrinal conflict might arise when comparing it to verses that emphasize the importance of fasting as a discipline. The contradiction could be in understanding the true value and purpose of fasting—whether it is merely a ritual or an expression of heartfelt faith and ethical living. The key issue is the sincerity and inner transformation that should accompany religious practices.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Isaiah 58:5 could be seen in the practice of fasting for the sake of appearances rather than genuine compassion and humility. People might fast as a show of religious devotion without truly changing their hearts or actions toward others. This can conflict with the deeper moral teachings about sincerity and righteousness.