The vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: and the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: . . . Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest? And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. 

In ancient times, scrolls were placed in tubes and sealed with clay or wax. Here the sealed document is seen to represent those who understand and worship God only superficially. Yet despite their insensitivity to His Word, God’s people will be enabled to understand Him (see vv. 14, 17–19, 24). A commentary notes, “Instead of fickleness . . . there will be true discernment . . . and instead of resentful grumbling there will be a teachable spirit.”

Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. . . . He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac; and confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant.