ישעיהו, פרק נ״ט, פסוק י׳

A profound sense of disorientation, helplessness, and despair defines the experience of the Israelites in exile. The imagery contrasts bright daylight with total blindness, capturing a state of distress that is at once physical, historical, and spiritual.

The primary approach among commentators is that the people are feeling their way through the dark. Like someone searching for an exit, they touch the walls hoping to find a way out, serving as a metaphor for the deep darkness of their troubles [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, another perspective suggests they are not merely searching, but rather clinging to the structure repeatedly. In their fear of falling, they hold onto the wall because it offers something stable and enduring to lean against [אברבנאל].

The comparison of the people to those who are blind, and then to those who have no eyes at all, reveals a careful distinction. A person who loses their sight later in life still remembers the layout of the city and can navigate familiar streets by touch. In contrast, someone who has never had eyes is entirely lost, recognizing nothing of their surroundings. This illustrates a twofold tragedy. Not only is the light of God's salvation absent, but even if that light were to shine, the people are so spiritually depleted that they would be unready and unworthy to receive it [מלבי״ם].

This tragedy deepens as the people stumble in the middle of the day as though it were the dead of night. On a physical level, a blind person walking during the day typically finds someone to guide them, but here, the Israelites are left completely alone with no one to lead the way [מלבי״ם]. Historically, this means that even when the rest of the world enjoys peace, the people remain trapped in sorrow, anxiety, and the dark shadow of their hardships [מצודת דוד]. Spiritually, the truth of God is as bright and clear as the midday sky. Yet, those whose hearts and minds are closed stumble because of their own internal blindness; the abundant light surrounding them offers no help at all [אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The final imagery compares the people to the dead, presenting two distinct ways to understand their isolation. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to living in absolute desolation and darkness. The world is entirely shut off from the Israelites, just as a dark, desolate grave is sealed from the dead who can neither see nor hear [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת ציון, שד״ל, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, the imagery creates a sharp and tragic contrast regarding abundance. While the surrounding nations live in comfort, health, and prosperity, the Israelites exist among them as though they were dead [רש״י, אבן עזרא, שד״ל, אברבנאל].