The contrasts continue. The first is a “wo”, pronounced upon those who rise up early in the morning. That is, particularly in an agricultural community, a positive trait. However, Isaiah indicates that this typically admirable trait has been perverted, for rather than rise early to work, the children of Israel rise early to drink and make merry. Rather than work at any time, Isaiah says that this lasts until the night.
Next comes the sounds of music, which can be a praise to God. However, in the hands of the children of Israel, the music is not praise for the Lord—is not a paean to the operation of his hands. It rather becomes the soundtrack to feasting and self-indulgence.
As a consequence, the Assyrians have come and taken the children of Israel into captivity. Assyria’s conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel literally carried away the ten tribes, so Isaiah is giving the reason for that terrible defeat and consequence. The ending of verse 13 speaks of the honorable men who are famished and of the multitude who thirst. That is intended to contrast with the feasting with the accompaniment of the musical instruments in the previous verse.
Next, the land of the dead has opened her mouth, opened her entrance, and the supposed pomp and glory with which the children of Israel had deceived themselves results only in their death.
Finally, Isaiah reprises his reference to the “mean man” and to the “mighty man” (as referenced in 2 Nephi 12:9 and Isaiah 2:9). Where they had previously bowed before idols, they will be truly bowed and humbled by their true God.