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This section (40:1-48:22) concludes with a rousing call to leave Babylon, but before this final note of exultation the prophet pulls together the various themes he has developed throughout the preceding chapters: Israel’s stubbornness and rebelliousness, Yahweh’s ability to foretell the future, the victories of Cyrus as God’s instruments, and the fall of Babylon.
The prophet attacks Israel’s relationship to Yahweh. It is artificial. Their relationship was characterized by stubbornness (v.4), a propensity for idolatry (v.5), obstinacy (v.6), hubris (v.7), deafness, and long-standing rebellion (v.8). In spite of this, Yahweh, for his own sake, will not allow Israel to be cut off.
After this verbal chastisement God appeals to Israel to listen once again. Establishing first his credibility as the Creator (v.13), he reminds them of his ability to foretell the future and particularly of the coming of Cyrus (v.14).
With v.16 the prophet is again the speaker. He offers what amounts to a final warning before he calls them to leave. V.20 makes a radical shift from chastisement and warning to exultation and joy. He proclaims the release from Babylon as though it had already happened. Note that he returns to the theme of the new exodus and passage through the desert with which he began (40:1-11).
Many scholars view v.22 as out of place. It would so appear. However, it may well be intended as a final warning to those who scoff at the idea that God could and would deliver captive Israel.