Blind beggars are frequently mentioned (Matt. 9:27;12:22;20:30; John 5:3). The blind are to be treated with compassion (Lev. 19:14; Deut. 27:18). Blindness was sometimes a punishment for disobedience (1-Sam 11:2; Jer. 39:7), sometimes the effect of old age (Gen. 27:1; 1-Kings 14:4; 1-Sam 4:15). Conquerors sometimes blinded their captives (2-Kings 25:7; 1-Sam 11:2). Blindness denotes ignorance as to spiritual things (Isa. 6:10;42:18, 42: 19; Matt. 15:14; Eph. 4:18). The opening of the eyes of the blind is peculiar to the Messiah (Isa. 29:18). Elymas was smitten with blindness at Paul's word (Acts 13:11).