In the opening chapter of Isaiah, we find a stinging rebuke against a sinful nation. God brings his case against this nation in four steps: He first charges them with rebellion (vv. 1–9), before presenting the evidence of hypocritical worship (vv. 10–17), before delivering the verdict of guilt (vv. 18–23), and finally pronouncing the twofold judgement of mercy for the obedient and justice for the disobedient (vv. 24–31).