Isaiah is a major prophetic book written approximately between 737 BC and 681 BC. In chapters 1 to 39 the focus is on God's impending judgement upon Israel, Judah and Jerusalem via Assyria and Babylon for their sins of idolatry, social injustice and illicit international alliances. Then in chapters 40 to 66 the focus changes to comfort and hope of return from exile plus extensive messianic texts involving the suffering servant and visions of a new heaven and new earth.
Chapter 1 commences charging Judah with rebellion and corruption. "They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.... your country is desolate... your fields are being stripped by foreigners". God refers to Israel as Sodom and Gomorrah and tells them "Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me". Their festivals, he says, have become a burden to me... even if you offer many prayers I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood. Wash and make yourselves clean... Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!" "Come now let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow... if you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword... how the faithful city has become a harlot! Your choice wine has been diluted with water... your rulers are rebels... they don't defend the cause of the fatherless... so I will turn my hand against you and purge you... and afterwards you will be called the city of righteousness... but you will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks... the mighty man will become tinder and his work a spark; both will burn together, with no-one to quench the fire."