John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 44:19

"And none calleth to mind, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?" — Isaiah 44:19 (ASV)

It doth not return into their heart. He confirms the preceding statement and removes every ground for excuse, because unbelievers willingly cherish their ignorance. That people are naturally careful and foresighted in worldly matters, but completely blind in the worship of God, proceeds from no other cause than that they are abundantly attentive to their own interests but are not moved by any concern for the heavenly kingdom.

For this reason, the Prophet rebukes them for disregarding godliness because, after much wandering, unbelievers do not reflect on whether they are keeping to the right way or, instead, are uselessly wearying themselves with wicked errors. He shows that their slothfulness is inexcusable, as they are so devoted to their superstitions.

If they applied their minds for even a short time to consider the matter, nothing would be easier than to perceive that stupidity. And since they do not see it, it follows that they wish to be deceived and that they flatter themselves in their error.

Therefore, they cannot offer any mitigation or excuse for their guilt, nor can they plead ignorance, for they do not intend to apply their minds to the effort of investigating truth.

To “return into the heart” means “to consider and reflect.” For no child is so ignorant as to be incapable of judging such extraordinary madness.

Superstitious people, therefore, give themselves excessive indulgence and do not err merely through ignorance. This vice should not be attributed solely to the original corruption of humanity, but to rebellion.