Isaiah begins the sentiment he here expresses with the unhappy conclusion, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way." In other words, he says, we have sought for that which would please the fancy, or satisfy our whims. We care little, or nothing for the welfare of Zion, the fold of Israel's sheep. "The sheep of Israel's fold," has been the favorite comparison of God's holy prophets when they speak of His children. The Savior often likened His disciples to a flock of sheep, He being the "Good Shepherd." "I will feed my flock," is the promise of the Lord through the prophet. (Ezek. 34:15)
Yet, in spite of the tender appeal God made to be vigilant and "follow me," when He likened His disciples to a flock of sheep over whom He ceaselessly watched, we have gone, some here and some there, all to places we deemed more pleasant, and where the pastures, we thought, were greener.
O ye workers of iniquity; ye that are puffed up in the vain things of the world, ye that have professed to have known the ways of righteousness nevertheless have gone astray, as sheep having no shepherd, notwithstanding a shepherd hath called after you and is still calling after you, but ye will not hearken unto his voice!
Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye will not hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which ye are called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd. (Alma 5:37-38)
But, God is long suffering, slow to anger, always ready to forgive the repentant sinner, and has provided ways and means whereby he can be saved. All God's purposes are eternal. The Salvation of His children is the purpose to which His glory is consecrated. "For the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled." (Morm. 8:22)
God promised Salvation to every one of His children, but they cannot be saved in their sins. A Savior, whom Isaiah calls "the servant," has been provided, and upon Him the Lord hath laid the iniquity of us all.
He substituted himself in the room of sinners, as a sacrifice. He made his soul an offering for sin; he himself explains this (John 1:29)...Whenever we think of the sufferings of Christ, we must see him in them bearing our sin.(Commentary on the Bible, Matthew Henry)