Nehemiah 9:16

Translations

Modern

But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments.

Traditional

But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,

Literal

And they and our fathers seethed and hardened their necks, and they did not listen to Your commandments.

Latin

Ipsi vero et patres nostri superbe egerunt, et induraverunt cervices suas, et non audierunt mandata tua.

Original

Hebrew

English

But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments.

Notes

Nehemiah 9:12–21

This prayer reminded the people of God's miraculous guidance of Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21–22), his personal appearance at Mount Sinai to reveal his covenant laws through Moses (see Exodus 19–20), and his faithfulness in providing bread and water (see Exodus 16:4; 17:1–6). Despite all of that, Israel's ancestors were proud and stubborn and refused to obey (see Exodus 32; Numbers 14:4). Yet in his grace, God remained faithful and compassionate (see Exodus 34:6) and provided his spirit to guide and teach them (compare Exodus 33:2; Numbers 11:17).

Nehemiah 9:5–37

This lengthy prayer admits the nation's sins and praises God for his compassion throughout history (compare Psalms 105–106; 135–136). It encouraged listeners to admit their own unfaithfulness and ask God for compassion and forgiveness.

Nehemiah 7:73–10:39

This section, possibly from Ezra’s personal memoirs, explains how Ezra’s teaching of God’s law renewed the people's commitment to serve God and follow his instructions. Spiritual revival occurred alongside the civic work of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Theme notes and profiles

Community Responsibility: Achan’s Sin God's Word at the Center Nehemiah’s Confidence in God

Related verses

Nehemiah 9:29
You admonished them to turn back to Your law, but they were arrogant and disobeyed Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances, by which a man will live if he practices them. They turned a stubborn shoulder; they stiffened their necks and would not obey.
Psalm 81:11–14
But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me.
Deuteronomy 31:27
For I know how rebellious and stiff-necked you are. If you are already rebelling against the LORD while I am still alive, how much more will you rebel after my death!
Nehemiah 9:10
You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, all his officials, and all the people of his land, for You knew they had acted with arrogance against our fathers. You made a name for Yourself that endures to this day.
Hebrews 3:15
As it has been said: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion.”
Romans 2:5
But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
Isaiah 48:18
If only you had paid attention to My commandments, your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like waves of the sea.
Jeremiah 2:31
You people of this generation, consider the word of the LORD: “Have I been a wilderness to Israel or a land of dense darkness? Why do My people say, ‘We are free to roam; we will come to You no more’?
Deuteronomy 1:26–33
But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God.
Psalm 81:8
Hear, O My people, and I will warn you: O Israel, if only you would listen to Me!
Acts 7:51
You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did.
Deuteronomy 32:15
But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked—becoming fat, bloated, and gorged. He abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation.

Glossary

Book of Nehemiah Glory Hardness of Heart Pillar of Fire and Cloud

Topics

God: Supplying Water at Meribah Impenitence: The Israelites Public Prayer: Jeshua Repentance: Exemplified Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Hardening the Neck Self-Will and Stubbornness: Proceed From: Pride Self-Will: Exhibited in Hardening the Neck (Metaphorically) Self-Will: Proceeds From: Pride Sin: Confession of Thankfulness: To God of the Levites

Nehemiah 9:16

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