32:9 Then the Lord said to Moses: “I have seen this people. 1 Look 2 what a stiff-necked people they are! 3
1 sn This is a bold anthropomorphism; it is as if God has now had a chance to get to know these people and has discovered how rebellious they are. The point of the figure is that there has been discernible evidence of their nature.
2 tn Heb “and behold” or “and look.” The expression directs attention in order to persuade the hearer.
3 sn B. Jacob says the image is that of the people walking before God, and when he called to them the directions, they would not bend their neck to listen; they were resolute in doing what they intended to do (Exodus, 943). The figure describes them as refusing to submit, but resisting in pride.