1 Nephi 21

There is much dualism in this chapter. The early verses can refer to the Savior, but they can also refer to Joseph Smith. Here's how I think they refer to Joseph Smith in each of the following verses:

1. He was called from the womb. Meaning that he was called and ordained in the premortal life.
2. His mouth being like a sharp sword means that his words divide truth from error. He was kept in the shadow of the Lord's hand or protected. He is made a polished shaft and hid in the quiver. The polished shaft is the last arrow saved for the most important shot. Joseph was kept from the world until the latter-days and the last dispensation.
3. He is the Lord's servant.
4. It will appear that his work was in vain at the time of his martyrdom.
5. He will bring Jacob again, meaning he will restore and gather the House of Israel.
6. Again, he will bring about the gathering of Israel and be a light to the Gentiles who the gospel will go to first.
7. Eventually, the whole world will see the work begun by Joseph.
9. This has dual meaning. The prisoners of sin will be freed through the atonement and ordinances of the gospel.

In the latter verses of the chapter, the Lord tells the prophet that even though Israel has been scattered and all of it's children seem to be lost, he shouldn't feel like the Lord has forsaken Israel or Zion. In verses 15-16, he uses a wonderful comparison of how he cannot forget them and how his sacrifice is a token of the remembrance. In verse 20, he says that even though the children of Israel have been lost, they will be gathered and they will be so many that there will not be room for them. In verse 22, he says that it is through the gentiles that the gospel will be established and they will bring the children of Israel back into the fold.

It's important to see that the Lord never forgets his children regardless of how far they stray. His love never varies but is always there, waiting for when we turn to him again.