Hear, ye deaf, and, ye blind, behold that you may see.
הַחֵרְשִׁ֖ים שְׁמָ֑עוּ וְהַעִוְרִ֖ים הַבִּ֥יטוּ לִרְאֽוֹת׃
5 Church Fathers comment on this verse
That form of deafness and blindness was not physical, but rather spiritual; physical deafness typically poses little threat to us, and can even foster caution, as indicated by the scripture, ‘But as a deaf man I have not heard, and as a dumb man I have not opened my mouth’ (Psalm 37:14). However, spiritual deafness consistently robs us of blessings.
He aptly describes those who worship idols as deaf and blind, echoing the wise words of Paul: "The God of this age has blinded the minds of the unfaithful, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ should shine upon them" (2 Cor. 4:4). This statement primarily pertains to the Israelites, who had the opportunity to illuminate their minds with divine truth, for the Law delivered to them the light of heavenly wisdom. Yet, they foolishly chose to dwell in darkness and become ensnared in deceptive practices. In another sense, they were blind, for nothing obstructed their view of their Creator through the beauty of His creation. As Paul wisely notes, "His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead" (Rom.
1:20). Nevertheless, they displayed such folly as to proclaim to the idols, “You are our gods.” The prophet did not address the multitude of Gentiles but specifically spoke of the descendants of Israel, stating, "Who are blind but My servants? Or deaf as My messengers that I send?" The people under their guidance became blind and fell into ignorance due to the negligence of their leaders. These leaders were responsible for their lack of understanding and the propagation of falsehood. Those who led them were the fools, having been entrusted with authority over them. Despite having witnessed God's glory and experienced it for a significant time, they turned away in rebellion, disregarding God's clear command: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Ex. 20:3). Given their awareness of divine revelations, their turning away into apostasy left the prophet astonished, as he cried out, "The servants of God are blinded." What was the source of their blindness? He affirms, "Voluntarily have you chosen this path," for they had the opportunity to guard themselves, having seen God's glory, heard His words, and understood the Scriptures. Yet, they failed to protect themselves from forsaking it, showing no inclination to deepen their understanding of the sacred laws. Consequently, the transgressions of the Jews are inexcusable. Although they had the Law as a guiding light to know the truth, they acted as though they were blind and deaf, unwilling to heed the sacred commands.
Listen and observe. It is acknowledged that some possess perfect hearing and can discern the words of the Lord. But what is proclaimed to those lacking such discernment? The deaf will hear, and the blind will see (Isaiah 42:18). Furthermore, my mouth has been opened, and my spirit has been drawn forth (Ps 118:131). And he has shattered the teeth of the wicked (Ps 3:8). All these statements pertain to the faculties that are meant to receive spiritual nourishment and divine truth.
The foolish will listen, and the blind will gain sight. And who are the blind? Are they not My servants? This is spoken of the Israelites. And deaf is the messenger I dispatched? This refers to the envoy I sent to Babylon, for he would not heed My words. Who is blind if not the one who has? This applies to the kings of Israel who were taken into exile.
To prevent any misunderstanding regarding the phrases Deaf, hear, and blind, see, behold, which some may wrongly attribute to the Gentiles—who were previously described as deaf and blind according to a misguided interpretation advocated by the Jews—the prophetic declaration clarifies the identity of the deaf and blind. It asks, who is blind if not my servant, and who is deaf if not he to whom I have dispatched my messengers?
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS