2 Kings 17:14 - Exposition

Notwithstanding they would not hear ; rather, and they would not hear . The construction still runs on without any change (see the comment on 2 Kings 17:7 and 2 Kings 17:12 ). But hardened their necks. (On the origin of the phrase, see 'Homiletic Commentary' on Exodus 32:9 .) The obstinate perversity of the Israelites, which the phrase expresses, is noted through the entire history (see Exodus 33:3 , Exodus 33:5 ; Exodus 34:9 ; Deuteronomy 9:6 , Deuteronomy 9:13 ; Psalms 75:5 ; 2 Chronicles 30:8 ; 2 Chronicles 36:13 ; Nehemiah 9:16 , Nehemiah 9:17 , Nehemiah 9:29 ; Jeremiah 7:26 ; Jeremiah 17:23 ; Acts 7:51 , etc.). Like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the Lord their God. The reference is especially to the many passages in the Pentateuch where the Israelites are called "a stiff-necked people" (see, besides those already quoted, Deuteronomy 31:27 ).