In the previous chapter Isaiah had pronounced a woe upon the people who had separated themselves from God: "Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope." Men may seek to strengthen their forces by confederating together, making, as they suppose, strong societies to carry out the plans they have formed. They may lift up their souls in pride and self-sufficiency; but the One mighty in counsel does not plan with them. Their unbelief in his purposes and work, and their confidence in man will not permit them to receive the messages he sends. They say: "Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!" But God says: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him."

I kapitlet før udtalte Esajas en ve over det folk som havde adskilt sig selv fra Gud: ”Ve dem, der trækker straffen hid med brødens skagler og syndebod hid som med vognreb.” Mennesker søger at styrke deres kræfter ved at rotte sig sammen, og danne stærke sammensværgelser for at gennemføre de planer de har dannet. De kan løfte deres sjæle o stolthed og selvtilstrækkelighed; men den mægtige i rådet planlægger ikke sammen med dem. Deres vantro i hans hensiger og arbejde, og deres tillid til mennesker vil ikke lade dem modtage de budskaber han sender. De siger: ”Lad ham skynde sig, haste med sit værk, så vi får det at se; lad Israels helliges råd dog komme snart, at vi kan kende det!” Men Gud siger: ” Ve dem, der kalder ondt for godt og godt for ondt, gør mørke til lys og lys til mørke, gør beskt til sødt og sødt til beskt! Ve dem, der tykkes sig vise og er kloge i egne tanker! Ve dem, der er helte til at drikke vin og vældige til at blande stærke drikke, som for gave giver den skyldige ret og røver den skyldfri retten, han har.