09/23/2015 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]
Acts 7:51-53 “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the HOLY SPIRIT! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the RIGHTEOUS ONE. And now you have betrayed and murdered HIM---you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels, but have not obeyed it.”
[New International translation of Stephen’s Speech to the Sanhedrin]
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, or any of GOD’s other spokespersons. They would not even obey GOD.