I've never understood this. I have read this part of Isaiah a few times, and I still don't get it and I certainly am not trusting what some excuse-maker tells me.
Evil is being done, God is reciprocally angry, but everyone says he is extending mercy. I don't know.
Of course, it all may hang on that "but" word. The Lord is angry, BUT he still holds out the hand of mercy. I can see that, I guess.
For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand stretched out still.
That's just one example of many from Chapter 9 into Chapter 10. So, I think what is being said is that God will get mad (sorry, he isn't the serene being so many hope for), BUT He isn't taking away the opportunity for you to repent and get better, including his promise of not being remembered for being such a jerk in the past if you straighten up.
As people do evil, the Lord is justifiable angry with them and it will not be "turned away" except for changing their ways. Evil will be visited with anger, not meely-mouthed "please please stop" pronouncements. God will definately visit all of us with justice - good for good, bad for bad. We all still can work for redemption with Christ's help.
God is a supremely awesome deity, if you ask me.
