ישעיהו, פרק מ״ב, פסוק כ׳

A striking paradox occurs when a person possesses perfectly functioning physical senses but willingly shuts their mind to the messages surrounding them. The primary approach among commentators is that this represents a sharp rebuke against spiritual blindness and deafness. People are constantly exposed to deeply significant events. They may witness the wonders, actions, and profound wisdom of God [רש״י, מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד], or they may face severe hardships and troubles [רד״ק, צאינה וראינה]. Yet, while the physical eye takes everything in, the soul fails to internalize it. People ignore the root causes of their struggles, fail to learn from their experiences, and refuse to reflect on God's actions as a way to repent [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ, רד״ק]. The tragedy is so complete that not a single individual truly listens or maintains the proper path [רד״ק].

This willful ignorance applies to hearing as well. People's ears are wide open as God actively tries to awaken them through His prophets. However, they deliberately block out the message, refuse to accept any correction, and pretend they simply do not understand [רש״י, מלבי״ם, צאינה וראינה]. This spiritual failure extends beyond the individual, creating a broader social apathy. Even when people do gain some understanding, they fail to use it to guide others away from destructive habits [מצודת דוד].

In sharp contrast to this negative portrayal, an entirely different perspective views this as a positive description of God's devoted servant suffering in exile [שד״ל]. According to this interpretation, the servant clearly sees how he is shamed and humiliated by others, yet he refuses to harbor resentment or hold a grudge. His ears hear the bitter insults and curses directed at him, but he chooses to show extraordinary restraint, completely ignoring the abuse and acting as though he is deaf.