Israel’s first complaint (accusation) was that Yahweh had forgotten his people. Here, the judge reviewing the case announces that this accusation will be refuted. Although Yahweh is constant in his concern and care, sometimes it is difficult to see it. Laman and Lemuel, like Israel, have ample evidence of hard times when Yahweh apparently abandoned them. Both the brothers and Israel focused on the hard times, rather than on evidence of Yahweh’s presence in their behalf.
Literature: The final two phases of the lawsuit consist of the defendant’s plea and the judge’s proclamation. Isaiah does not set them off as separate sections like the first two phases. Rather the plea is entered, and then judgment rendered.
There are two pleas: the first here, the second in verse 21.