Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 13:17

"For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which ye see, and saw them not; and to hear the things which ye hear, and heard them not." — Matthew 13:17 (ASV)

Many prophets and righteous men, etc. They wished to see the times of the Messiah. They looked to it as a time when the hopes of the world would be fulfilled, and the just be happy. See John 8:5-6, Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad. See also 1 Peter 1:10–12; Hebrews 11:13.

So Isaiah and the prophets looked forward to the coming of the Messiah as the consummation of their wishes, and the end of the prophecies (Revelation 19:10). The object always dearest to the hearts of all righteous men is to witness the coming and advancement of the kingdom of Christ.