Isaiah 48:4

4 Because I know that you are stubborn, your neck is made of iron, and your forehead is bronze.

Isaiah 48:4 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 48:4

Because I knew that thou art obstinate
Or "hard" ^F1, hard hearted, an obdurate and rebellious people, contradicting and gainsaying: and thy neck is as an iron sinew;
stiffnecked, inflexible, not compliant with the will of God, and his commands; unwilling to admit his yoke, and bear it: and thy brow brass;
impudent, not ashamed of sin, nor blushing at it, refusing to receive correction for it, having a whore's forehead. This the Lord knew and foreknew, and therefore declared before hand what would come to pass unto them; who otherwise would have had the assurance to have ascribed them to themselves, or their idols, and not to him.

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FOOTNOTES:

F1 (hta hvq yk) "quod durus tu es", Pagninus, Montanus; "te durum esse", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Vitringa.

Isaiah 48:4 In-Context

2 They are known as residents of the holy city, those who depend upon the God of Israel— the LORD of heavenly forces is his name.

3 Past things I announced long ago; from my mouth I proclaimed them. I acted suddenly, and they came about.

4 Because I know that you are stubborn, your neck is made of iron, and your forehead is bronze.

5 I informed you long ago; before they came about I proclaimed them to you so you wouldn't say, "My idol did them; my wood statue and metal god commanded them."

6 You've heard and seen all this— won't you admit it? From now on I'll tell you new things, guarded secrets that you don't know.