Make the heart of this people calloused, make their ears dull, and close their eyes—so that they will not see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed." God's command to Isaiah seems paradoxical: he is commissioned to prevent healing and understanding. The language suggests that Isaiah's preaching will have the effect of hardening resistance; those unwilling to hear will become more resistant through hearing. The stated purpose (so that they will not...turn and be healed) presents hardening as the consequence of refusal; God enables what His people choose. This verse employs paradoxical logic common to prophetic and wisdom literature; sometimes the presentation of truth itself causes hardening in those resistant to it. The connection to healing suggests that the outcome might be different if the people were receptive; the responsibility for refusal lies with the people, not with God or the prophet. This verse establishes that prophetic calling sometimes involves proclaiming to those determined not to listen; the prophet's faithfulness is not measured by success but by obedience.

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