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Exodus 32:9

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

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, I have seen {H7200} this people {H5971}, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked {H7186}{H6203} people {H5971}:

ADONAI continued speaking to Moshe: "I have been watching these people; and you can see how stiffnecked they are.

The LORD also said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people.

And Jehovah said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:

Commentary

Exodus 32:9 reveals God's immediate and profound assessment of the Israelites' character during a critical moment in their wilderness journey. This verse is spoken by the LORD to Moses on Mount Sinai, just after the people below have committed a grievous act of idolatry by worshipping a golden calf.

Context

While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God, the Israelites, growing impatient with his prolonged absence, compelled Aaron to fashion a golden calf. This act was a blatant violation of the newly established covenant and the very first commandments against idolatry (Exodus 20:3-5). God, with His omniscience, immediately perceived their rebellion and informed Moses, declaring their true nature as a "stiffnecked people." This statement sets the stage for God's righteous anger and Moses' subsequent intercession on behalf of the people, as described in Exodus 32:10-14.

Key Themes

  • Divine Omniscience and Judgment: God's declaration, "I have seen this people," emphasizes His complete awareness of their actions and intentions, even when done in secret or far from His visible presence. It underscores that no human rebellion or idolatry goes unnoticed by the Almighty.
  • Human Stubbornness and Rebellion: The core message of this verse lies in the descriptor "stiffnecked people." This phrase highlights Israel's persistent refusal to submit to God's will, obey His commands, or learn from His guidance. It signifies a deep-seated spiritual resistance and a tendency towards apostasy.
  • Covenant Violation: The Israelites' actions, which prompted this divine declaration, were a direct and immediate breach of the covenant God had just made with them at Mount Sinai. Their quick turn to idolatry demonstrated their lack of faith and commitment.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew phrase translated "stiffnecked" is k'sheh 'oreph (קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף), literally meaning "hard of neck." This is an agricultural metaphor, likening the people to an untamed ox that resists the yoke and refuses to be guided by its master. An ox that is "stiffnecked" will not bend its neck to plow or obey commands, symbolizing a stubborn and unyielding spirit that refuses to submit to authority. This term is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to describe Israel's persistent disobedience, for example in Deuteronomy 9:6 and later echoed in the New Testament by Stephen in Acts 7:51.

Practical Application

Exodus 32:9 serves as a powerful reminder of the human tendency toward rebellion and spiritual stubbornness. Even after experiencing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the Israelites quickly turned to idolatry. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts:

  • Are there areas in our lives where we are "stiffnecked," refusing to submit to God's clear commands or resisting His leading?
  • Do we place anything—be it possessions, relationships, achievements, or even our own desires—before God, thereby engaging in modern forms of idolatry?
  • The verse also highlights God's unwavering awareness of our spiritual condition, encouraging us to live with integrity and humility, knowing that He sees all. It calls us to a life of humble obedience and trust in His perfect will.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 9:13 (6 votes)

    Furthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:

  • Exodus 34:9 (6 votes)

    And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it [is] a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.

  • Exodus 33:5 (6 votes)

    For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye [are] a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.

  • Acts 7:51 (6 votes)

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

  • Exodus 33:3 (6 votes)

    Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou [art] a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.

  • Isaiah 48:4 (6 votes)

    Because I knew that thou [art] obstinate, and thy neck [is] an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;

  • Deuteronomy 31:27 (5 votes)

    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?