The prophet Yeshaya depicts the moral conduct of the Jews as being the most corrupt and wicked since the days of Sedom and Gemorah. He declares the Jews to be even worse than animals who show more acknowledgement than they do.
Yeshaya then concentrates on the Jewish service in the Bais Hamikdash, and criticizes them on that account too. He expresses the idea that Hashem was displeased with their sacrifices and lacked interest in their service. The Jewish people were going through the motions of Judaism, but lacked any level of sincerity. They assembled in the Bais Hamikdash during the holiday seasons, but did not dedicate their efforts to Hashem, but rather to themselves. Even their prayers, their direct line to Hashem, were being rejected.
Suddenly, we discover a complete change of nature in the prophecy, and the Navi extends an open invitation to the Jewish people. Hashem says, "Please go and reconcile; if your sins are likened to scarlet they will be whitened like snow and if they are like deep red crimson they will be like white wool. If you consent and listen, then you will eat the goodness of the land." (1:18,19).
This seems to indicate a total reversal of direction. Moments earlier, the prophet proclaims that Hashem had absolutely no interest in His people and despised their trampling on His property. Hashem was so angry and offended with them that He severed all lines of communication. And now, one passage later Hashem was prepared to brighten and whiten the Jewish people to the extent of glistening snowflakes?! What happened here?
In the 13 attributes of mercy, the first is Hashem’s name “YHVH” and the second attribute repeats “YHVH.” Chazal explain that the first is before we sin, and the second is after we sin. Hashem will always deal with us only with the attribute of mercy. We see that after we sin, nothing changes Hashem’s attitude to us. Hashem is always compassionate, but at times we need tough love and sometimes compassionate love. Hashem can change directions instantaneously because it’s all coming from the same place. The only actual change is our vantage point – do we perceive it to be negative or not?
The interest of every parent is to have happy and healthy children. A loving parent can change instantly from a disciplining tough attitude to a companionate, soft one. It doesn’t matter which one, as long as it directs the child to live in a healthy, joyful, and harmonious way. The 9th of Av came about from childish, senseless fighting, but it will become the happiest day in a flash when we all learn to laugh together.
