In Isaiah 48:1-11, theology is conveyed through a description of God’s people.  They have a hollow confession (Isaiah 48:1-2).  God’s characterization of His people in Isaiah 48:3-8 is not very flattering.  Especially look at Isaiah 48:4, 8.  Ouch!  This teaches us about our original condition as sinners and also helps us realize our default setting in the face of God’s instruction.  Thank the Lord that Isaiah 48:9-11 contain God’s gracious response.  This explains what troubling circumstances are designed to do in our lives.  Isaiah may be pointing to Christ in Isaiah 48:8 by way of contrast.  In the next chapter, Isaiah 50:5, our Lord Jesus Christ is described as having open ears to God’s Word.  Through faith in Him, by the power of the Spirit, we, too, now can move from being rebels to patriots.  Isaiah intends to move us out of “rebel” status by teaching us that God is refining our faith in the fire (Isaiah 48:10).