Contradictions and Paradoxes in Isaiah 7:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Isaiah 7:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Isaiah 7:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the prophet Isaiah, God will use the king of Assyria to cut away and take away the things that people rely on, like when someone shaves off all their hair. This shows that God will let another king come and take over as a way of teaching people to trust Him.

Isaiah 7:20: In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, [namely], by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.

Contradiction with Genesis 1:31

Isaiah 7:20 suggests destruction through shaving, while Genesis 1:31 states that everything God made was very good, implying harmony instead of destruction.

Genesis 1:31: And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. [And the evening...: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.]

Contradiction with Matthew 5:39

Isaiah 7:20 involves a negative act of shaving as judgment, whereas Matthew 5:39 teaches turning the other cheek, advocating non-retaliation and peace.

Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 22:5

Isaiah 7:20 involves shaving as a punitive act, which could be seen as violating gender norms, while Deuteronomy 22:5 prohibits cross-dressing, emphasizing adherence to those norms.

Deuteronomy 22:5: The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so [are] abomination unto the LORD thy God.

Contradiction with Psalm 23:1

Isaiah 7:20 depicts an act of judgment, while Psalm 23:1 describes the Lord as a shepherd who provides and cares, symbolizing protection and comfort instead of judgment.

Psalm 23:1: [A Psalm of David.] The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.

Contradiction with Luke 6:27

Isaiah 7:20 is about an act of judgment and cutting with a razor, while Luke 6:27 instructs to love your enemies, suggesting kindness rather than judgment.

Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Paradox #1

Isaiah 7:20 might seem inconsistent historically because it talks about using a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates, referring to the Assyrians, to shave the head and beard. It uses symbolic language for humiliation or judgment, but historically, the Assyrians did not literally shave people. The metaphorical language can be confusing when trying to match it to historical events directly.

Paradox #2

The contradiction or conflict in Isaiah 7:20 might stem from the idea of using a foreign nation as an instrument of judgment against one's own people, which could raise questions about divine justice and the suffering of innocents. The use of an external, hostile force could be seen as inconsistent with the idea of a protective and benevolent deity.

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