Nehemiah 9:16

16 But our ancestors grew proud and stubborn ¹ and refused to obey your commands.

Nehemiah 9:16 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 9:16

But they and our fathers dealt proudly
Behaved in a haughty manner towards God, their kind benefactor:

and hardened their necks;
refused to take the yoke of his law, as refractory oxen, that withdraw their necks from the yoke:

and hearkened not to thy commandments;
to do them, though they promised they would, ( Exodus 24:7 ) .

Nehemiah 9:16 In-Context

14 You taught them to keep your Sabbaths holy, and through your servant Moses you gave them your laws.

15 "When they were hungry, you gave them bread from heaven, and water from a rock when they were thirsty. You told them to take control of the land which you had promised to give them.

16 But our ancestors grew proud and stubborn and refused to obey your commands.

17 They refused to obey; they forgot all you did; they forgot the miracles you had performed. In their pride they chose a leader to take them back to slavery in Egypt. But you are a God who forgives; you are gracious and loving, slow to be angry. Your mercy is great; you did not forsake them.

18 They made an idol in the shape of a bull-calf and said it was the god who led them from Egypt! How much they insulted you, Lord!

Cross References

• 1. 9.16, 17Numbers 14.1-4;Deuteronomy 1.26-33.