What does Exodus 32:9 mean?
ESV: And the Lord said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people.
NIV: "I have seen these people," the Lord said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people.
NASB: Then the Lord said to Moses, 'I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people.
CSB: The Lord also said to Moses: "I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people.
NLT: Then the Lord said, 'I have seen how stubborn and rebellious these people are.
KJV: And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:
NKJV: And the Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people!
Verse Commentary:
God is expressing His anger with the people of Israel. While Moses is on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18), they are building and worshipping an idol (Exodus 32:1–6). This directly conflicts with commandments (Exodus 20:3–6) the Lord has already given to them. This comes after Israel responded to God's incredible miracles (Exodus 12:29–30; 14:21–31) with doubt and disbelief (Exodus 14:10–12; 17:3).
The expression translated as "stiff-necked" uses the analogy of an animal holding its head rigidly to prevent the master from fitting it with the yoke. It can also imply the person who refuses to bow their head. In either case, it's a sign of rebellion and disobedience. The Israelites have a habit of pushing back against God's commands (Exodus 16:19–21). Construction of the golden idol is merely the latest example. He even refers to them as "your people" (Exodus 32:7) and "this people" rather than "my people" (Exodus 3:7; 6:7; 12:31).
To further depict irritation, the Lord suggests that He could obliterate the Israelites and start over with Moses (Exodus 32:10). God has no intent to do this, of course (Exodus 32:13), but He ensures that Moses understands the seriousness of the situation.
Verse Context:
Exodus 32:7–14 describes the Lord's anger at Israel for their idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). While Moses is away (Exodus 24:18), the people have begun to worship a golden statue. God suggests He will eradicate Israel and only spare Moses. Moses pleads with God, who stops discussing this reaction. This resembles how God graciously talked through the issue of Sodom with Abraham, to make a statement about divine justice (Genesis 18:27–33).
Chapter Summary:
During Moses' long absence (Exodus 24:18), the Israelites lose patience. They demand that Aaron (Exodus 24:14) make them a god they can see. Aaron makes a gold idol from donated jewelry and the people worship it as God. On the mountain, God is furious and sends Moses back. Moses arrives, breaks the stone tablets of God's law which he carried, and destroys the idol. Moses then calls on loyal men to execute those responsible. Aaron is spared, but Israel can anticipate more punishment.
Chapter Context:
Moses went onto Sinai to communicate with the Lord (Exodus 24:12) and has been gone a long time (Exodus 24:18). He is receiving instructions from God (Exodus 25—31). Meanwhile, Israel falls into idolatry. They break the first two commandments just given at Sinai (Exodus 20:3–6). After delivering initial consequences, God commands Israel to move along and discusses how He will renew His covenant (Exodus 33—34).
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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