Nehemiah 9:16

16 But they--our own ancestors--acted arrogantly. They became stubborn and wouldn't 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 about your holy day of worship. You gave them commandments, laws, and teachings through your servant Moses.

15 You gave them bread from heaven to satisfy their hunger and made water flow from a rock to quench their thirst. You told them to take possession of the land that you swore you would give them.

16 But they--our own ancestors--acted arrogantly. They became stubborn and wouldn't obey your commands.

17 They refused to listen. They forgot the miracles you performed for them. They became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to slavery [in Egypt]. But you are a forgiving God, one who is compassionate, merciful, patient, and always ready to forgive. You never abandoned them,

18 even when they made a metal statue of a calf for themselves and said, 'This is your god who took you out of Egypt.' They committed outrageous sins.