The Veil of Understanding
"They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand." - Isaiah 44:18
**Introduction**
Isaiah 44:18 states, "They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand." This poignant verse captures the essence of spiritual blindness—a condition where individuals are unable to perceive the truth potentially right in front of them. In the context of Isaiah’s prophecy, we observe a people so immersed in their own pursuits and idols that they have become oblivious to the reality of God's sovereignty.
**Understanding Spiritual Blindness**
The verse serves as a sobering reminder of our vulnerabilities as human beings. Ignorance, whether willful or unintentional, leaves individuals in a prolonged state of darkness, unable to grasp spiritual truths that could revolutionize their lives. Spiritual blindness goes beyond mere physical sight. It encapsulates a deeper incapacity to comprehend God’s Word and His ways. Throughout the Bible, we are reminded of the importance of seeking understanding. Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Here, wisdom and understanding are not just gifts, but they are requirements for a fulfilling and meaningful relationship with God.
**The Cause of Blindness**
The verse in Isaiah attributes the spiritual blindness to God shutting their eyes and hearts. This can seem perplexing, leading to questions about the nature of God’s actions. However, it is essential to comprehend this within the broader narrative of scripture—it often reflects a just response from God to a people who consistently reject His overtures of grace and truth. God's decision to
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Isaiah 44:18 - "They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand."
"They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand." - Isaiah 44:18
Isaiah 44:25
isaiah 44:3
Isaiah 44:4 - "And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses."
Isaiah 44:27 - "That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:"
Isaiah 44:10 - "Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?"
Isaiah 44:1 - "Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:"
Isaiah 44:25 - "That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;"
Psalms 44:18 - "Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;"
Psalms 18:44 - "As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me."
Isaiah 44:9 - "¶ They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed."
"That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:" - Isaiah 44:27
Isaiah 44:22 - "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee."
Isaiah 44:6 - "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."
"And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses." - Isaiah 44:4
Isaiah 44:20 - "He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?"
Ezekiel 44:18 - "They shall have linen bonnets upon their heads, and shall have linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird themselves with any thing that causeth sweat."
"Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?" - Isaiah 44:10
Isaiah 44:28 - "That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid."
Isaiah 44:14 - "He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it."
Isaiah 44:12 - "The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint."
Isaiah 29:18
Isaiah 44:21 - "¶ Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me."
Isaiah 44:3 - "For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:"
Isaiah 44:17 - "And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god."
Isaiah 44:5 - "One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel."
Isaiah 43:18-19
Isaiah 44:7 - "And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them."
Isaiah 44:11 - "Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together."