Problem: Isaiah specifically says that he has “unclean lips” (Isa. 6:5). Why does he emphasize his lips and not some other feature on his body?
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Problem: Isaiah doesn’t get his calling until chapter six. Critics argue that this demonstrates that a redactor either added the first five chapters, or he inserted chapter six. Is this the case? Why else would Isaiah place his calling this far into the book?
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Problem: Isaiah says that the people will go to “Sheol” in judgment (pronounced SHE-ole). What is Sheol?
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Problem: Many Christians argue that consumption of alcohol is sinful. However, Paul specifically tells Timothy to drink alcohol. Should we drink alcohol or not?
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Problem: Isaiah deplores the women of Israel for wearing jewelry, perfume, and nice clothing in this section of his book. Does this mean that God forbids this for women universally today?
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Problem: Isaiah writes that the nation is being judged by having “women rule over them” (Isa. 3:12). What’s wrong with female leadership? Critics might argue that this demonstrates how the Bible is patriarchal. Is this the case?
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Problem: Isaiah writes, “Do not forgive them” (Isa. 2:9). How can we harmonize this statement with the NT teaching that we should “love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt. 5:44; c.f. Col. 3:13)?
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Problem: Is God a God of peace or of war or both?  The Bible says different things about God in different contexts.  Let’s take a look.
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Problem: Biblical interpreters disagree on whether Christ will have a literal reign on Earth or a spiritualized reign through the church age. Does this passage describe a literal reign or a spiritualized reign? Does it describe eternal heaven or a millennial reign on earth?
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Problem: Some interpreters argue that the prophets believed that Israel could stop sinning and clean up their act on their own. Here, Isaiah commands, “Learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow” (Isa. 1:17). Some interpreters call this Pelagianism (i.e. humans can choose good or evil without divine help). Is this the case?
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