John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 42:18

"Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see." — Isaiah 42:18 (ASV)

O you deaf, hear, and you blind. He now employs these words, “blind” and “deaf,” in a sense different from that in which he formerly employed them (verse 16). In that previous instance, he metaphorically described those who had no understanding and who were overwhelmed by such a mass of afflictions that they were blinded by their sorrow. But here, he gives the name of blind to those who shut their eyes in the midst of light and do not perceive the works of God. He also gives the name of deaf to those who refuse to hear Him and sink down into stupidity and slothfulness amidst the dregs of their ignorance.

He therefore condemns the Jews for “blindness”—or rather, in my own opinion, he condemns all men. For while he directly reproaches the Jews because “in hearing they do not hear, and in seeing they do not see” (Isaiah 6:9; Matthew 13:13), this same charge also applies in some measure to the Gentiles. To these Gentiles, God revealed Himself by His creatures. He also impressed the knowledge of Himself on their hearts and consciences. Moreover, He had made His wonderful works known to them and would still make them known.

By demanding attention, he pronounces that there is nothing that hinders them from comprehending the truth and power of God, except that they are “deaf and blind.” Nor is this unaccompanied by malice and ingratitude, for He openly instructs them concerning His power and gives them very striking proofs of it. But no one pays attention to His doctrine or to His wonderful actions, and the consequence is that they are willingly “blind.” Thus the Prophet shows that the fault lies entirely with men in not perceiving the power of God.