Contradiction with Deuteronomy 31:6
While Isaiah 8:17 speaks of waiting and trusting in God despite His hiddenness, Deuteronomy 31:6 assures that God will never leave nor forsake His people, suggesting constant divine presence.
Deuteronomy 31:6: Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Contradiction with Hebrews 13:5
Isaiah 8:17 talks about waiting on the Lord who hides Himself, whereas Hebrews 13:5 presents the promise that God will never leave or forsake believers, signifying perpetual presence.
Hebrews 13:5: [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Contradiction with Psalm 46:1
Isaiah 8:17 discusses the hiding of God's face, yet Psalm 46:1 describes God as an ever-present help in trouble, implying His continuous accessibility.
Psalm 46:1: [To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.] God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [for: or, of]
Contradiction with Matthew 28:20
In contrast to Isaiah 8:17 which emphasizes waiting for God who has hidden Himself, Matthew 28:20 promises that Jesus is with believers always, even unto the end of the world, indicating His constant presence.
Matthew 28:20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
Contradiction with Joshua 1:9
Isaiah 8:17 expresses waiting because God has hidden His face, but Joshua 1:9 reveals God’s assurance of always being with His people, wherever they go.
Joshua 1:9: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Contradiction with Psalm 139:7-10
While Isaiah 8:17 suggests a hidden God necessitating a period of waiting, Psalm 139:7-10 illustrates God's omnipresence, indicating an inability to be distant from God regardless of one's location.
Psalm 139:7-10: Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Paradox #1
Some people might see a contradiction in the idea of waiting for divine guidance while feeling abandoned. It can be confusing to trust and wait for help from someone who seems absent or unresponsive during difficult times. This might lead to a conflict between faith and the need for immediate support.