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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Problem: In this passage, Isaiah writes, “So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen” (Isa. 1:15). However, Jesus taught, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Mt. 7:7-8). Will God answer our prayers or not?
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Problem: Moses commanded the use of sacrifices in the worship of the Lord, saying, “And you shall burn the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord; it is a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the Lord” (Ex. 29:18). However, the later prophets seemed to repeatedly repudiate the sacrificial system. Hosea quotes the Lord, saying, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hos. 6:6). David confessed to God, “You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering” (Ps. 51:16). God declared through Jeremiah, “Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet to Me” (Jer. 6:20).
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Problem: Isaiah writes, “What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?” says the Lord. “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle; and I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats” (Is. 1:11). However, the Pentateuch prescribes these rituals. Are the prophets speaking against the priests? Do the prophets abrogate the need for Temple sacrifices? Some Jewish interpreters argue that the sacrificial system has been abrogated by prayer and good deeds. Is this the case?
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Problem: Does Song of Solomon 8:8 promote child marriage?
Song 8:8, “We have a little sister, and she has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister on the day when she is spoken for?”
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Problem: Solomon’s wife says, “Oh that you were like a brother to me who nursed at my mother’s breasts. If I found you outdoors, I would kiss you; no one would despise me, either” (Song 8:1). What does she mean by this?
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Problem: Solomon writes, “You have made my heart beat faster, my sister, my bride” (Song 4:10). Did Solomon have a romance with his sister.
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