Isaiah 48:4

I did this ¹  because I know how stubborn you are. Your neck muscles are like iron and your forehead like bronze. ² 

Ex 32:9; Ex 33:3,5; De 10:16; De 31:27; 2Ki 17:14; 2Ch 30:8; 2Ch 36:13; Ne 9:16,17,28; Ps 75:5; Ps 78:8; Pr 29:1; Isa 46:12; Jer 3:3; Jer 5:3; Jer 7:26; Jer 19:15; Eze 3:4-7; Eze 3:7-9; Da 5:20; Zec 7:11,12; Zec 7:12; Ac 7:51; Ro 2:5; Heb 3:13

¹ tn The words “I did this” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons. In the Hebrew text v. 4 is subordinated to v. 3.

² sn The image is that of a person who has tensed the muscles of the face and neck as a sign of resolute refusal.