Deuteronomy 9:13
Furthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֖ה
Furthermore the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
Furthermore the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I have seen
H7200
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַם
people
H5971
עַם
people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
עַם
people
H5971
עַם
people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
Deuteronomy 10:16Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.Deuteronomy 9:6Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.Deuteronomy 31:27For 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?2 Kings 17:14Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
Historical Context
The stiff-necked characterization would recur throughout Israel's history. Despite witnessing unprecedented miracles in Egypt and at the Red Sea, seeing God's glory on Sinai, and receiving divine provision in the wilderness, Israel repeatedly rebelled against God's leadership.
This pattern demonstrates that external religious privilege does not guarantee internal spiritual transformation.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of life are you tempted to be 'stiff-necked' toward God's will?
- How does recognizing our natural stubbornness humble us and drive us to depend on God's grace?
- What does it mean that God sees not just our actions but the attitudes of our hearts?
- How does the Holy Spirit work to soften hard hearts and produce willing obedience?
- Why do people often resist God's authority even when they know His way is best?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Furthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people. God's omniscience penetrates the people's external compliance to reveal their internal rebellion - a stiff neck metaphorically represents stubborn unwillingness to submit to authority.
The agricultural metaphor derives from ox training - a stiff-necked ox refuses the yoke, resisting guidance and direction. Israel similarly resists God's governance, refusing to bend their will to His covenant requirements. This stubbornness is not mere ignorance but willful defiance of known truth.
God's statement I have seen this people emphasizes divine observation. Though Moses cannot simultaneously be on the mountain and observe the camp, God sees all. His evaluation of Israel's character comes from comprehensive knowledge of their hearts, not just their outward actions.
Reformed theology recognizes this stiff-necked stubbornness as manifestation of total depravity - humanity's fundamental rebellion against divine authority. Only God's sovereign grace can break human stubbornness and produce a willing, obedient heart.