Jeremiah 7:26

Yet they would not listen to Me or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and did more evil than their fathers.

Study Bible

Yet they would not listen to Me
This phrase underscores the persistent disobedience of the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but obeying. In the biblical context, listening to God is synonymous with obedience. The Israelites' refusal to listen is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, highlighting their rebellion against God's covenant. This disobedience is not just a failure to hear but a willful rejection of God's authority and guidance.

or incline their ear
The phrase "incline their ear" suggests an active effort to understand and heed God's words. The Hebrew root "נָטָה" (natah) means to stretch out or extend, indicating a deliberate action to pay attention. This imagery of inclining the ear is often used in Scripture to describe a posture of humility and readiness to receive divine instruction. The Israelites' failure to incline their ear signifies their stubbornness and pride, choosing their own ways over God's wisdom.

but they stiffened their necks
The metaphor of a "stiff neck" is a vivid depiction of obstinacy and resistance. In Hebrew, "קָשָׁה" (qashah) means to be hard or difficult. This imagery is drawn from the behavior of oxen that resist the yoke, symbolizing the Israelites' refusal to submit to God's will. Throughout the Bible, a stiff neck is associated with rebellion and a hardened heart, illustrating the spiritual condition of those who reject God's authority.

and did more evil than their fathers
This phrase indicates a generational decline in faithfulness and morality. The Hebrew word for "evil" is "רַע" (ra), which encompasses wickedness, harm, and wrongdoing. The comparison to their fathers suggests a worsening of behavior and a deepening of sin. This progression of evil highlights the consequences of ignoring God's commands and the importance of repentance and returning to God's ways. It serves as a warning of the dangers of spiritual complacency and the need for continual renewal and obedience to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by his deep emotional connection to his people and his unwavering commitment to God's message.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing imminent judgment due to its persistent idolatry and disobedience to God. Jeremiah's prophecies were primarily directed toward this kingdom.

3. The Fathers
Refers to the ancestors of the people of Judah, who had also disobeyed God. The current generation was being compared unfavorably to them, indicating a worsening spiritual condition.

4. Stiffened Necks
A metaphor used to describe the stubbornness and rebellion of the people. In Hebrew, the term (qashah) conveys the idea of being hard or difficult, often used to describe obstinacy.

5. God's Warnings
The repeated messages and warnings given by God through His prophets, urging the people to repent and return to Him. Despite these warnings, the people continued in their disobedience.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Stubbornness
Stubbornness against God's will leads to spiritual decline and judgment. We must remain open and responsive to God's guidance.

Generational Sin
Each generation is responsible for its own actions. We must learn from the past and strive to break cycles of disobedience.

The Importance of Listening
Actively listening to God's word is crucial. We should incline our ears and hearts to His teachings and be willing to change.

Repentance and Return
God continually calls His people to repentance. We should regularly examine our lives and turn back to God when we stray.

The Role of Prophets and Leaders
God uses leaders to guide and warn His people. We should respect and heed the messages of those who speak God's truth.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern examples of "stiff-necked" behavior, and how can we avoid them in our own lives?

2. How does the concept of generational sin appear in your family or community, and what steps can you take to address it?

3. In what ways can we better "incline our ear" to God's word in our daily routines?

4. How can the account of Judah's disobedience serve as a warning for contemporary Christian communities?

5. Reflect on a time when you ignored a warning or guidance from God. What were the consequences, and how did you eventually respond?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites quickly turned to idolatry after being delivered from Egypt, illustrates the recurring theme of disobedience and stiff-necked behavior.

2 Kings 17
The fall of the northern kingdom of Israel due to similar disobedience and idolatry serves as a historical backdrop and warning for Judah.

Acts 7
Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin, where he accuses the Jewish leaders of being stiff-necked, connects the persistent rebellion of God's people across generations.