Isaiah 42:20

Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.

Seeing many things, but thou observest not - thou dost not keep them. The "many things" - are the many proofs which all along, from the first, God had given Israel of His goodness and His power, (; Deuteronomy 29:2; ; Psalms 105:1.)

Opening the ears, but he heareth not - transition from the second to the third person. "Opening the ears" -

i.e., though he (Israel) hath his ears open (note, ). This language, too (note, ), applies to Messiah as Yahweh's servant (; ).