Exodus 32:9

Then the Lord said to Moses: “I have seen this people. ¹  Look ²  what a stiff-necked people they are! ³ 

Ex 33:3,5; Ex 34:9; De 9:6,13; De 9:13; De 10:16; De 31:27; 2Ch 30:8; Ne 9:17; Ps 78:8; Pr 29:1; Isa 48:4; Jer 13:27; Ho 6:10; Zec 7:11,12; Ac 7:51

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.