20 Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.
20 You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen."
20 He sees many things, but does not observe them; his ears are open, but he does not hear.
20 You've seen a lot, but looked at nothing. You've heard everything, but listened to nothing.
20 Seeing many things, but you do not observe; Opening the ears, but he does not hear."
20 You see and recognize what is right but refuse to act on it. You hear with your ears, but you don't really listen."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 42:20
Commentary on Isaiah 42:18-25
(Read Isaiah 42:18-25)
Observe 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-pleased in the making known his own righteousness. For their sins they were spoiled of all their possessions. This fully came to pass in the destruction of the Jewish nation. There is no resisting, nor escaping God's anger. See the mischief sin makes; it provokes God to anger. And those not humbled by lesser judgments, must expect greater. Alas! how many professed Christians are blind as the benighted heathen! While the Lord is well-pleased in saving sinners through the righteousness of Christ he will also glorify his justice, by punishing all proud despisers. Seeing God has poured out his wrath on his once-favoured people, because of their sins, let us fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of us should be found to come short of it.