Blind: Blind beggars are frequently mentioned (Matthew 9:27; 12:22; 20:30; John 5:3). The blind are to be treated with compassion (Leviticus 19:14; Deuteronomy 27:18). Blindness was sometimes a punishment for disobedience (1 Samuel 11:2; Jeremiah 39:7), sometimes the effect of old age (Genesis 27:1; 1 Kings 14:4; 1 Samuel 4:15). Conquerors sometimes blinded their captives (2 Kings 25:7; 1 Samuel 11:2). Blindness denotes ignorance as to spiritual things (Isaiah 6:10; 42:18,19; Matthew 15:14; Ephesians 4:18). The opening of the eyes of the blind is peculiar to the Messiah (Isaiah 29:18). Elymas was smitten with blindness at Paul's word (Acts 13:11).