Contradiction with Isaiah 2:6
Isaiah accuses the people of engaging in practices like divination, contrary to the condemnation of witchcraft in Micah 5:12.
Isaiah 2:6: Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and [are] soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers. [from...: or, more than the] [please...: or, abound with the]
Contradiction with Isaiah 47:12-13
These verses sarcastically challenge Babylon to rely on their enchantments and sorceries, which contrasts with the prohibition of such practices in Micah 5:12.
Isaiah 47:12-13: Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 27:9
This verse warns against listening to false prophets, which aligns with the condemnation in Micah 5:12, yet implies a presence of such practices.
Jeremiah 27:9: Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: [dreamers: Heb. dreams]
Paradox #1
Micah 5:12 mentions practices like witchcraft and soothsaying. The contradiction or inconsistency can arise when considering that these practices were relatively common in different ancient cultures surrounding the Israelites. While the Bible condemns these practices, historical records indicate that they were prevalent and sometimes even integrated into daily life in those cultures. This can create a perception of conflict between the biblical condemnation and historical practices.
Paradox #2
The conflict in Micah 5:12 could be viewed as the Bible denouncing practices like sorcery, which were common in ancient cultures for seeking knowledge or control beyond ordinary means. This may seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible where miraculous or supernatural events occur through divine power. Some might see a contradiction between condemning magical practices while also embracing supernatural acts of faith.