01/18/2017 STIFF-NECKED
Exodus 32:9 “I have seen these people,” the LORD said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”
[New International translation]
Scripture Discussed
Numerous times in the Old Testament, GOD refers to the Jewish people as a “stiff-necked” people. GOD would try to lead the people in the right direction—a direction that would be beneficial to them and lead to blessings, but, like obstinate oxen under a plough yoke, the people simply refused to be led. “Stiffing their necks,” the people were willfully disobedient, unrepentant, set in their own ways and unresponsive to GOD’s word and HIS commandments. The people would not listen to Moses, GOD’s spokespersons, or obey GOD.
In an article, “Eight Marks of A Stiff-Necked People,” Dr. Ray Prichard describes the following “marks” or characteristics of a stiff-necked people:
- Certainty that you are right.
- Refusal to listen to anyone else.
- Defensive when criticized.
- Making excuses for your shortcomings.
- Lashing out at others.
- No desire to examine your own life.
- Repeated pattern of misbehavior.
- Prayer without repentance
Dr. Prichard notes that being stiff-necked can happen to any of us! When we become rigid and hardened in our ways, so GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT and the LOVE of CHRIST, cannot reach us, we are stiff necked! Unless we obey GOD and exercise our faith, it can happen.