In this chapter, Isaiah seems to be consumed with anguish over the visions he has been receiving. He has been watching vision of his own people, the Jews and children of Israel, trudging down their long trail of tears as he saw them grinding out their tragic history for a period extending over twenty-seven centuries. Of course the people of Jerusalem did not believe Isaiah's prophecies but eventually they all came to pass. A student of Bible history cannot help but ask, "How did the people of Israel -- and particularly the Jews -- happen to become God's chosen people in the first place?"
Since the restoration of the gospel, we know it was because they were on God's side during the great war in heaven. In Deuteronomy 32:7-9, Moses indicates that during the war in heaven the royal guard that stood firmly with God were called "Israel" which means "soldiers of God." John says in Revelation 12:10-11 that they fought with their testimonies until two thirds of the Father's spirit children were won over. So this is how they became God's chosen people.
But why would these chosen people do the things Isaiah saw them doing during their sojourn on earth? Of course, God knew all things from the beginning so he was fully aware that this was the way they would use their free agency during earth life. However, when it was all over, the Lord knew it would work out for the best, even for the rebellious Israelites. Meanwhile, however, Isaiah saw that they would suffer severe afflictions for their apostasy. He begins by portraying the monumental crises that will occur during times of famine.
Because of their wickedness, the Lord not only takes away the staff of life but also the civic and military leaders. From time to time the prophet sees the collapse of their entire social and military structure as their wickedness makes them susceptible to conquests from generation to generation.