2 Kings 17:14

KJV

Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Notwithstanding they would not hear {H8085}, but hardened {H7185} their necks {H6203}, like to the neck {H6203} of their fathers {H1}, that did not believe {H539} in the LORD {H3068} their God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless, they refused to listen but made themselves as stubborn as their ancestors, who did not put their trust in ADONAI their God.

Berean Standard Bible

But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God.

American Standard Version

Notwithstanding, they would not hear, but hardened their neck, like to the neck of their fathers, who believed not in Jehovah their God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 17:14 encapsulates the tragic and persistent spiritual rebellion of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, highlighting their unyielding refusal to heed God's repeated warnings and their deep-seated unbelief. This verse serves as a pivotal explanation for the divine judgment that culminated in their Assyrian exile, emphasizing a stubborn defiance that mirrored the generational unbelief of their ancestors, ultimately sealing their fate due to a hardened heart against the LORD their God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a somber and pivotal narrative detailing the downfall and eventual exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) at the hands of the Assyrians. The preceding verses, specifically [2 Kings 17:7-13](/2-kings/17-7 "2 Kings 17:7-13 - Israel's Sins and God's Judgment"), provide a comprehensive and damning indictment of Israel's sins, meticulously listing their idolatry, rejection of God's statutes, adoption of pagan practices, and disregard for prophetic warnings. Verse 14 serves as a climactic summary of the people's response to these divine overtures—a resolute and unyielding refusal to repent. It directly follows the enumeration of their transgressions and precedes the final description of their deportation, thereby functioning as a theological explanation for the inevitability of God's judgment and the justice of their punishment. The narrative flow underscores a divine patience that was met with persistent human obstinacy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period leading up to 2 Kings 17 describes a turbulent era for Israel, caught between the rising imperial power of Assyria and their own internal spiritual decay. By the 8th century BCE, the Assyrian Empire was a dominant force, systematically conquering and deporting populations as a strategy to prevent rebellion. Israel, particularly under kings like Hoshea, vacillated between alliances with Egypt and Assyria, demonstrating a lack of trust in the LORD. Culturally, the concept of a "hardened neck" or "stiff-necked" people was a well-understood idiom in the ancient Near East, vividly portraying an ox refusing to submit to the yoke or a person unwilling to bow in submission. This imagery underscored a profound act of defiance against authority, which, in Israel's case, was a direct affront to their covenant Lord. Their adoption of Canaanite fertility cults and Baal worship, despite the explicit prohibitions of the Mosaic Law, illustrated a deep-seated cultural drift away from the monotheistic worship of Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Second Kings 17:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. The primary theme is the **consequences of covenant disobedience**. The verse explicitly states Israel's refusal to "hear" and their "hardened necks," which are direct violations of the covenant stipulations that demanded obedience and faithfulness to the LORD. This persistent rebellion, despite God's repeated warnings through prophets (a theme emphasized in [2 Kings 17:13](/2-kings/17-13 "2 Kings 17:13 - God's Warnings Through Prophets")), underscores the theme of **divine justice and judgment**. God's actions are not arbitrary but a righteous response to sustained and willful rejection. Furthermore, the comparison to "their fathers" highlights the tragic theme of **generational sin and unbelief**, suggesting a deeply entrenched spiritual malaise that transcended individual reigns and became a defining characteristic of the Northern Kingdom. This verse also implicitly reinforces the theme of **God's sovereignty and patience**, as He sent numerous prophets before finally executing judgment, demonstrating His long-suffering even in the face of such profound obstinacy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This word is far more profound than simply perceiving sound. In biblical usage, _shama'_ implies not just listening, but also understanding, heeding, and obeying. When Israel "would not hear," it signifies a deliberate and active refusal to respond obediently to God's commands, warnings, and prophetic messages. It denotes a rejection of the divine word as authoritative and binding, indicating a deep-seated spiritual deafness.
* **Hardened their necks (Hebrew, קָשֶׁה עֹרֶף, _qasheh 'oreph'_):** This is a powerful and frequently used idiom in the Old Testament, literally meaning "stiff of neck." It vividly describes an animal, particularly an ox, that resists the yoke, refusing to be led or guided by its master. Spiritually, it signifies extreme obstinacy, stubbornness, and defiance. It portrays a people unwilling to submit to God's authority, to humble themselves, or to turn from their wicked ways. This imagery underscores an unyielding will set against the divine will, a refusal to bend or repent.
* **Believe (Hebrew, אָמַן, _'aman'_):** To "believe" in the biblical sense (from which we get "Amen") means to be firm, trustworthy, or faithful. When Israel "did not believe in the LORD their God," it indicates a profound lack of trust, reliance, and faithfulness towards Yahweh. It's not merely intellectual assent but a failure to depend on God, to find security in Him, or to live in accordance with His covenant. This unbelief is the root cause of their disobedience and the ultimate expression of their hardened hearts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Notwithstanding they would not hear,"**: This phrase immediately establishes the core problem: Israel's deliberate and willful rejection of God's voice. Despite the numerous warnings, appeals, and prophetic pronouncements detailed in the preceding verses, the people consistently chose to ignore and disregard divine instruction. This was not a failure of communication on God's part, but a failure of reception and obedience on Israel's part.
* **"but hardened their necks,"**: This clause elaborates on the nature of their refusal, employing a powerful metaphor. Their "hardened necks" signify an unyielding, stubborn, and defiant posture towards God. They were unwilling to submit to His authority, to humble themselves, or to change their ways, much like a stubborn animal resisting its master's lead. This spiritual obstinacy was a conscious choice to resist divine guidance and discipline.
* **"like to the neck of their fathers,"**: This comparison highlights a tragic and persistent pattern of rebellion. Israel's current generation was not an isolated case of disobedience but was mirroring the deep-seated stubbornness and unfaithfulness that characterized previous generations, particularly during the wilderness wanderings. This analogy underscores the deep historical roots of their spiritual problem, indicating a generational legacy of defiance against God.
* **"that did not believe in the LORD their God."**: This final clause identifies the fundamental spiritual issue underlying their hardened necks and refusal to hear. The ultimate problem was a lack of faith or trust in Yahweh, their covenant God. Their unbelief manifested as a failure to rely on Him, to obey His commands, and to acknowledge His unique sovereignty. This foundational unbelief was the wellspring from which all their disobedience flowed, sealing their fate.

#### Literary Devices
Second Kings 17:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "hardened their necks." This vivid image, drawn from the agricultural world, powerfully communicates the people's stubborn and unyielding resistance to God's authority, likening them to an ox that refuses to submit to the yoke. This metaphor is further amplified by **Analogy** (or simile, though more deeply embedded than a simple "like a") as their behavior is explicitly compared to "the neck of their fathers." This analogy establishes a continuity of rebellion across generations, emphasizing a tragic, inherited spiritual disposition. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition**, implicitly contrasting God's persistent efforts to warn and guide His people (as detailed in the surrounding verses) with their equally persistent and willful refusal to listen. This stark contrast underscores the gravity of Israel's sin and the justice of God's subsequent judgment. Finally, the verse is an example of **Repetition of Themes**, echoing the pervasive biblical theme of Israel's stubbornness and unbelief found throughout the Pentateuch and prophetic literature, reinforcing its significance as a core aspect of their national identity and ultimate downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 17:14 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of human rebellion and divine justice. It underscores that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of persistent, willful disobedience rooted in unbelief. The "hardened neck" is a spiritual condition of the heart, a refusal to submit to God's will and wisdom, which ultimately leads to a rejection of His very being. This verse highlights the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where faithfulness was expected, and disobedience carried severe consequences. It also speaks to the cumulative effect of sin, illustrating how generational patterns of unbelief can deepen spiritual blindness, making repentance increasingly difficult and judgment inevitable. The tragic narrative of the Northern Kingdom serves as a perpetual warning against spiritual apathy and the dangers of neglecting God's word.

* [Deuteronomy 9:6](/deuteronomy/9-6 "Deuteronomy 9:6 - Israel's Stubbornness in the Wilderness")
* [Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Walking in the Stubbornness of Their Evil Heart")
* [Acts 7:51](/acts/7-51 "Acts 7:51 - Stephen's Rebuke of the Stiff-Necked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark reality presented in 2 Kings 17:14 offers timeless lessons for all who seek to walk with God. It serves as a potent reminder that God's grace and patience, though vast, are not infinite, and persistent rejection of His word inevitably leads to severe consequences. For believers today, this verse underscores the critical importance of cultivating a humble, receptive, and obedient heart. We are called to actively "hear" God's voice, not merely with our ears, but with our entire being, allowing His truth to penetrate and transform us. The danger of a "hardened neck" remains ever-present, manifesting as spiritual apathy, intellectual pride, or a stubborn refusal to yield to biblical truth in areas of our lives. Furthermore, the generational aspect challenges us to consider the spiritual legacy we are building. Are we passing on a heritage of faith and obedience, or are we inadvertently contributing to a pattern of unbelief for future generations? Our choices today have ripple effects that extend far beyond ourselves, urging us to choose humility, repentance, and unwavering trust in the LORD our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting a "hardened neck" towards God's will or truth?**
* **How can I cultivate a more receptive and obedient heart to God's word daily?**
* **What spiritual legacy am I building for those who come after me, and how can I ensure it is one of faith and obedience?**
* **How does understanding God's patience and ultimate judgment in this passage shape my perspective on His character?**

### FAQ
**What does "hardened their necks" mean in a spiritual sense?**

Answer: In a spiritual sense, "hardened their necks" (Hebrew: _qasheh 'oreph_) is a powerful metaphor signifying extreme stubbornness, obstinacy, and defiance against God's authority and commands. It portrays a person or people who are unwilling to submit, humble themselves, or turn from their sinful ways, much like a stubborn animal refusing to be led or yoked. This spiritual condition indicates a willful resistance to divine guidance and a refusal to repent, even in the face of clear warnings and consequences, as seen throughout Israel's history in passages like [Exodus 32:9](/exodus/32-9 "Exodus 32:9 - The Lord Describes Israel as Stiff-Necked") and [Deuteronomy 9:6](/deuteronomy/9-6 "Deuteronomy 9:6 - Moses Reminds Israel of Their Stubbornness").

**Why does the verse mention "their fathers" in relation to their unbelief?**

Answer: The mention of "their fathers" highlights a tragic and persistent pattern of generational unbelief and rebellion within Israel's history. It suggests that the Northern Kingdom's stubbornness was not an isolated incident but a deep-seated spiritual problem that had been passed down through generations. This connection underscores the cumulative nature of sin and the profound impact of spiritual choices on future generations. It serves as a reminder that the people of 2 Kings 17 were repeating the very mistakes of their ancestors, who also "did not believe in the LORD their God," as evidenced by their repeated acts of disobedience during the wilderness wanderings and subsequent periods of apostasy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 17:14 vividly portrays the tragic consequences of Israel's persistent rebellion and unbelief, it also implicitly points to the profound need for a radical transformation of the human heart, a need ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Israel's "hardened necks" and refusal to "believe in the LORD their God" highlight humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey God's law and the deep-seated spiritual sickness of sin. Jesus, however, stands in stark contrast as the perfectly obedient Son, whose entire life was characterized by a humble submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). He embodies the ultimate "hearing" and "believing" in God. Furthermore, the New Covenant, inaugurated through Christ's sacrifice, addresses the very problem of the "hardened neck" by promising a new heart and a new spirit, where God's law is written not on stone tablets but on human hearts ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The Promise of a New Heart") and [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")). Through faith in Christ, believers receive the Holy Spirit, enabling them to truly hear God's voice, to soften their hearts, and to live in obedience, thereby overcoming the very generational cycle of unbelief and stubbornness that plagued ancient Israel. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering forgiveness and a path to a restored relationship with the God whom Israel so stubbornly rejected ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 7:51

¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

Deuteronomy 31:27

For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?

Exodus 32:9

And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:

Psalms 78:32

For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.

Proverbs 29:1

¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Romans 2:4

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Romans 2:5

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;