The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:18

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Hear, ye deaf. The "deaf" are not absolutely without hearing, nor the "blind" absolutely without sight. They can "hear" and "see," if they choose to do so. When they do not see, it is because they "wink with their eyes" (Matthew 13:15); when they do not hear, it is because, like the deaf adder, they "stop their ears" (Psalms 58:4).

This, at any rate, is the case with the majority. There may be some who have deadened their moral vision altogether, and have no longer any "ears to hear." God, however, addresses the mass of Israel as still possessed of moral discernment, if they will but use it, and calls upon them to wake up out of sleep—to "hear" and "see."

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:1-25EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:10-25A new song to Jehovah. Caught up in his ecstasy to a high place of vision, the prophet sees all the nations of mankind deriving blessing from the ministry of Israel, and calls upon them to join in a song of praise. God'…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Isaiah 42:18-25Observe the call given to this people, and the character given of them. Multitudes are ruined for want of observing that which they cannot but see; they perish, not through ignorance, but carelessness. The Lord is well-…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Blindness of the Jews. (b. c. 708.)THE BLINDNESS OF THE JEWS. (B. C. 708.) The prophet, having spoken by way of comfort and encouragement to the believing Jews who waited for the consolation of Israel, here turns to those among them who were unbelieving,…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:18-25The blindness of Israel. The "blindness" of Israel is a subject of continual remark in Scripture from the time of Moses (Deuteronomy 28:28, Deuteronomy 28:29) to that of St. Paul (Romans 11:25). Four things may be noted…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 42:18-25ADDRESS TO CAPTIVE ISRAEL, CALLING UPON THEM TO TURN TO GOD, AND REMINDING THEM THAT THEY HAVE DESERVED THEIR AFFLICTIONS. By some critics the earlier verses of this passage (Isaiah 42:19-21) are regarded as having refe…Joseph S. Exell and contributors