Topical Bible: Character of the Wicked: Stiff-Necked

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The term "stiff-necked" is a vivid metaphor used in the Bible to describe a particular aspect of the character of the wicked. It conveys an image of obstinacy and an unwillingness to submit to divine authority or guidance. This term is often associated with rebellion against God and a refusal to heed His commandments.

Biblical Usage and Context

The phrase "stiff-necked" appears multiple times in the Scriptures, primarily in the context of the Israelites' relationship with God. It is used to describe their persistent rebellion and resistance to God's will, despite His continuous guidance and provision.

In Exodus 32:9 , the Lord says to Moses, "I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people." This declaration comes after the Israelites create and worship the golden calf, demonstrating their quick departure from God's commandments and their stubbornness in idolatry.

Similarly, in Deuteronomy 9:6 , Moses reminds the Israelites, "Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people." Here, the term underscores the undeserved nature of God's blessings, highlighting His grace despite their obstinate nature.

Characteristics of the Stiff-Necked

1. Rebellion Against God: The stiff-necked are characterized by their rebellion against God's authority. They resist His commandments and often turn to idolatry or other forms of disobedience. This rebellion is not merely a one-time act but a persistent attitude.

2. Unwillingness to Repent: A stiff-necked individual is often unwilling to repent or change their ways, even when confronted with the truth. This stubbornness leads to a hardened heart, making it difficult for them to receive correction or guidance.

3. Pride and Self-Reliance: Pride is a significant component of being stiff-necked. Such individuals rely on their own understanding and refuse to humble themselves before God. Proverbs 29:1 warns, "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery."

4. Resistance to the Holy Spirit: In the New Testament, Stephen accuses the Sanhedrin of being stiff-necked, saying, "You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did" (Acts 7:51). This resistance to the Holy Spirit is a hallmark of the stiff-necked, as they reject the Spirit's work in their lives.

Consequences of Being Stiff-Necked

The Bible warns of severe consequences for those who persist in being stiff-necked. Proverbs 29:1 indicates that such individuals will face sudden destruction. The Israelites' history serves as a testament to the dangers of this attitude, as their stubbornness often led to divine judgment and exile.

In Jeremiah 7:26 , God laments, "Yet they would not listen to Me or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and did more evil than their fathers." This passage highlights the progressive nature of wickedness in those who refuse to heed God's warnings.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of the stiff-necked serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, rebellion, and resistance to divine authority. It underscores the importance of humility, repentance, and a willingness to submit to God's will.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 33:5
For the LORD had said to Moses, Say to the children of Israel, You are a stiff necked people: I will come up into the middle of you in a moment, and consume you: therefore now put off your ornaments from you, that I may know what to do to you.
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Acts 7:51
You stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do you.
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Library

The Way to Honor
... grace bowed us down when we were stiff-necked; almighty grace ... from the very dignity
of his character, and that ... had been the sharer of his wicked follies; she ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the way to honor.htm

The Unmistakable Honesty of the Writers of the Bible Attests to ...
... to bear longer with such a stiff-necked people? ... no human mind could have invented
the character of John ... charged with having taken and with "wicked hands" slain ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter three the unmistakable honesty.htm

How Saints May Help the Devil
... find no fault with Job whatever, his character was untainted ... of pride: why, you are
as stiff-necked a generation ... too, they are that render the wicked callous in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... and made to subserve the purposes of stiff-necked obstinacy ... there is nothing in the
human character, regenerated by ... the law of God; while the wicked "rejoice to ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

Distinguishing Grace
... I wish that some of the stiff-necked gentry of our ... in you a hatred of that which
the wicked so greedily ... We are compelled often to discover the character of men ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/distinguishing grace.htm

Extent of Atonement.
... the work of atonement, and those displays of the character of God ... in the death of
the wicked; but that the wicked turn from ... "Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxvi extent of atonement.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring ... an amicable compact with
the afflicted character whom they ... them""Now be ye not stiff-necked, as your ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Covenanting a Duty.
... Hezekiah said to Israel,""Now be ye not stiff-necked, as your ... from vowing to him,
man sustains a character no higher than the wicked who restrain ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm

Difficulties and Objections
... if we ignore their figurative character and fail ... wrath, which shall be emptied on
the wicked. ... to the Jews Stephen declared "Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter eleven difficulties and objections.htm

The Assyrian Captivity
... Be ye not stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but ... and wrought wicked things." "They
would not hear, but ... a knowledge of the attributes of His character and the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm