Isaiah 49

My thoughts are a little bit different than that which is noted in the summary of the chapter.  In my mind, much of these words are in regards to Israel just as Isaiah has spoke of earlier, where the Lord speaks to His chosen people -

"LISTEN, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.
2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;
3 And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:1 - 3)

I believe Isaiah is refering to Israel where he speaks for Israel throughout the years and their effort to bring forth Zion saying -

"Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:4)

Obviously, Israel seem discouraged as they continue to poor success even their responsibility has been considered -

"...a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:6)

But even as Israel is discouraged saying -

"The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:14)

But the Lord answers -

"Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.
16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:15 - 16)

Thus Isaiah prophecies that in the latter days -

"...because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.
8 Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;
9 That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.
10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
11 And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:7 - 11)

And -

"Thy children shall make haste..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:17)

"...Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 49:25)