THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Their blindness was present long before that moment; thus, it is stated, You have witnessed many things, yet you have not perceived them; not once or twice, but you have seen numerous occurrences, yet you have not recognized them.
Isaiah 42:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
Thou that seest many things, wilt thou not observe them? thou that hast ears open, wilt thou not hear?
ראית רָא֥וֹת רַבּ֖וֹת וְלֹ֣א תִשְׁמֹ֑ר פָּק֥וֹחַ אָזְנַ֖יִם וְלֹ֥א יִשְׁמָֽע׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
4 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Cyrill of Alexandria
He correctly describes those who worshipped idols as unable to see and hear, echoing the words of the wise 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 message particularly pertains to the Israelites, who had the opportunity to illuminate their minds with divine wisdom. The law bestowed upon them the light of spiritual insight, yet they chose to remain in darkness and fell into deceptive traps. They were blind also in another way: despite having the chance to behold their Creator reflected in the beauty of creation, as Paul declares, "His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead" (Rom.
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1:20), they descended into such folly that they proclaimed to the lifeless idols, “You are our gods.” The prophet addressed the descendants of Israel specifically, exclaiming, "Who are blind but My servants? And deaf, as My messengers?" Their people became blind due to the negligence of their leaders, who were the architects of their ignorance and the purveyors of falsehood. The foolish ones were those who led them, having received authority over them. Despite having witnessed God's glory and experienced His presence, they turned away because they refused to follow the clear command of God: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Ex. 20:3). Knowing the divine truths, they, alongside their followers, strayed into apostasy, leading the prophet to express his astonishment: "The servants of God are blinded." Why were they blinded? He states it was a voluntary choice, as they had the ability to protect themselves by frequently witnessing God's glory and hearing His words. Yet they neglected to guard against abandoning that light, showing no effort or intention to deepen their understanding of the sacred laws. Thus, the transgressions of the Jews are inexcusable; though they had the potential to know the truth, guided by the law, they were akin to those without sight or hearing, unwilling to pay attention to the divine decrees.
Ephraem the Syrian
It is stated to preempt any objections, "How can those who are called deaf perceive?" in accordance with the words, "By hearing you will hear, and you will not comprehend" (Isaiah 6:9).
Eusebius of Caesarea
The spiritual blindness of those who claim to have insight is addressed by the assertion, “You have seen many things, but have not observed” (Isaiah 42:20). Additionally, it is stated, “You will hear with your ears and not comprehend, and you will look with your eyes and not perceive. For the heart of this people is calloused” (Isaiah 6:9-10). Notice that this is directed towards the circumcised community. Yet, it was the Lord’s desire, in the name of His righteousness, to exalt and honor the law (Isaiah 42:21). However, they yielded themselves to the adversaries of their souls, becoming a people devastated and robbed, confined within the prisons of their own spirits, and shackled in their abodes (Isaiah 42:22). In their refusal to acknowledge Christ, choosing their own paths, they created their own captivity, and there is no liberator, no redeemer, no one to cry out, “Restore what was taken!” (Isaiah 42:22).
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Neh 9:10And thou shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharao, and upon all his servants, and upon the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them: and thou madest thyself a name, as it is at this day.
- Neh 9:17And they would not hear, and they remembered not thy wonders which thou hadst done for them. And they hardened their necks, and gave the head to return to their bondage, as it were by contention. But thou, a forgiving God, gracious, and merciful, longsuffering, and full of compassion, didst not forsake them.
- Rom 2:21Thou therefore, that teachest another, teachest not thyself: thou, that preachest that men should not steal, stealest.
- Acts 28:22But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that it is every where contradicted.
- Acts 28:27For the heart of this people is grown gross, and with their ears have they heard heavily and their eyes they have shut, lest perhaps they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and should be converted: and I should heal them.
- Ps 107 (106):43
- Deut 29:2And Moses called all Israel, and said to them: You have seen all the things that the Lord did before you in the land of Egypt to Pharao, and to all his servants, and to his whole land.
- Deut 29:4And the Lord hath not given you a heart to understand, and eyes to see, and ears that may hear, unto this present day.