Literary analysis: Once again Isaiah uses reversals to make his point. Following the implicit reversal of verse 20 (the right thing is said, but meant as derision) Isaiah now lists specific reversals that such people would hold. Those who would sarcastically call for the judgement of the Lord because they do not believe, are those who call evil good. darkness light, and bitter sweet. They have a reversed view of the world that is precisely the opposite of the true understanding of the Lord.
This is the continued condemnation of an Israel who has turned to man rather than God. The underlying dichotomy is Man/God, and Israel has built its values on the wrong foundation, one that is the opposite of what the Lord desires of her.