Isaiah 42:19,20 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

Who is blind, but my servant; &c.— As it might be doubted who were the blind and deaf mentioned in the preceding verse, the prophet here points them out. "I have exhibited (says God) the Gentiles in the foregoing discourse as blind and deaf, to be enlightened by the doctrine of the Messiah, and brought to the obedience of his laws. But how much more blind are you, how much more deaf, ye degenerate sons of Jacob! who, though the only people favoured with my word, the only people peculiarly chosen by me to the profession of the true religion, and from whom it might and ought to have been expected, that as the messengers of God you should have taught true religion to others; yet, have not only no care or regard for it, but contemn this most excellent religion of yours, dishonour and corrupt it, and, on this account, subject yourselves to the divine punishment; at which, nevertheless, not reflecting on the greatness of your crimes and rebellion as its true cause, you stand astonished, and, though advised and instructed, still nothing the better, nor returning to duty; having ears, but hearing not." He that is perfect, in the 19th verse, means, "He who is perfectly instructed in the truth and knowledge of God, from the law of Moses, and the revelation vouchsafed to the Jews."

Isaiah 42:19-20

19 Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?

20 Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.