Isaiah 48:4-6 - I know that you are obstinate

48:4,5

God’s actions were not capricious, but based on the reality of the hearts of the Israelites, which were exceedingly stubborn. God is working to try and knock some sense into them. So He foretold what would happen, with the hope that after they did happen the Israelites would eventually come to repentance, and stop thinking that idols had brought the events about. Our sinful hearts are very keen on attributing things to anyone but God.

48:6

So the Israelites should look at the facts and open their eyes to the truth. Eventually we have to admit the truth, and the sooner we do so the better. Now God is going to tell them new things, things they do not know about. Before repenting we may fear the consequences, but when we do eventually repent we will see new things from God, our eyes will be opened to new truths, and God’s actions towards us will change. Repentance is a good thing!