Nehemiah 9:16-17
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The phrase "acted presumptuously" captures a deep arrogance, showing they sinned not out of ignorance, but with outright defiance and contempt for God's clear commands. This wasn't just forgetting; it was a deliberate "stiffening of the neck," a refusal to bend their will to God's, akin to an ox refusing the yoke.
“But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The people of Israel, led by the Levites, are gathered for a profound day of worship and confession. This verse comes amidst a long, detailed prayer that traces God's faithfulness and Israel's persistent rebellion from their exodus out of Egypt, right up to their present exile. They are confessing their ancestors' proud refusal to obey God, even after experiencing His incredible acts of deliverance and provision.
The Israelites' memory of God's faithfulness wasn't enough to change their hearts. What allowed them to repeatedly turn away from Him, even after experiencing His mighty acts?
Nehemiah and the Levites are confessing the sins of their ancestors before God. They describe how their fathers 'acted presumptuously' and 'stiffened their neck.' This isn't just casual disobedience; it's an active arrogance that refuses God's authority.
Acting Presumptuously
This phrase means to act with insolence or arrogance, to sin with a sense of defiance and contempt for God's commands. It’s the opposite of humility and submission.
The Stiff Neck
The imagery of a 'stiff neck' paints a vivid picture. Imagine an animal refusing to take the yoke, its neck rigid and unyielding. This is exactly how their hearts were towards God's law – unwilling to submit, to be guided, or to bear His burden. This proud resistance blinded them to God's commandments, making them deaf to His voice and blind to His will.
The confession in Nehemiah 9 isn't just about admitting fault; it's about contrasting a dangerous way of living with the life God desires. What's the real difference?
This verse starkly contrasts the Israelites' 'presumptuous' actions with the heart of humble obedience God desires.
The Cost of Presumption
When people act 'presumptuously,' they are essentially saying, 'I know better than God.' This arrogance leads them to ignore His commands, not out of ignorance, but out of a defiant will. They might even have promised obedience, as they did at Mount Sinai, but their pride ultimately wins out. This leads to self-inflicted suffering and, more grievously, offers indignity to God, the Giver of life and law.
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The Call to Submission
True obedience isn't forced; it flows from a heart that acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness. It means willingly submitting to His yoke, trusting that His commands are for our good. This involves recognizing our limitations and His infinite wisdom, choosing to listen, learn, and follow, rather than rigidly resisting.
Understand the original words
ziyd · Hebrew Verb
To act with arrogance, pride, or insolence toward God’s authority, often implying a deliberate rejection of His word.
qashah oref · Hebrew Noun phrase
A metaphorical expression for stubbornness or rebellion against God’s authority, comparing the person to an animal that refuses to submit to the yoke.
mitsvah · Hebrew Noun
The divine laws, statutes, and requirements given by God to His people, serving as the standard for obedience and relationship with Him.
pele' · Hebrew Noun
Extraordinary acts of God that manifest His power, sovereignty, and presence, intended to evoke awe and remembrance in His people.
sallach · Hebrew Adjective
A title emphasizing God's inherent nature as One who pardons the repentant; it highlights His willingness to remove the guilt of sin.
channun · Hebrew Adjective
A description of God’s character as one who favors those who do not deserve it; it expresses His unearned benevolence.
rachum · Hebrew Adjective
A term denoting God's deep, visceral compassion; it is often linked to the love a mother has for her child.
erek appayim · Hebrew Noun phrase
Refers to God’s patience in delaying His righteous judgment, providing space and time for repentance.
chesed · Hebrew Noun
The defining covenantal love of God; it is faithful, loyal, and enduring commitment to His people, despite their unfaithfulness.
azav · Hebrew Verb
To abandon, leave, or desert someone, a state that God consistently promises He will not do to those in covenant with Him.
This prayer in Nehemiah 9 is a confession during the return from exile. The Levites are recounting Israel's history, highlighting their pattern of pride and defiance against God's clear commands, even after experiencing His incredible deliverance and provision, showing how sin's roots run deep across generations.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, demonstrating His power and faithfulness.
c. 1446 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
God establishes His covenant with Israel, giving them His commandments and instructions for living.
c. 1445 BC— this verse
Rebellion and Wilderness Wandering
Despite God's miracles, the Israelites repeatedly rebel and refuse to obey, leading to 40 years of wandering in the desert.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites enter and begin conquering the Promised Land, following God's commands.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy Established
Saul, David, and Solomon rule as kings, a period marked by both faithfulness and significant disobedience.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Southern Kingdom of Judah falls to Babylon due to persistent disobedience, leading to exile.
This passage highlights God's recognition of the people's 'stiff-necked' nature, directly paralleling Nehemiah's description of their stubborn refusal to obey.
Deuteronomy 1:43Here, Moses recounts a similar instance where the people acted 'presumptuously' and refused to obey God's commands, echoing the theme of defiant disobedience.
Jeremiah 7:23-26The prophet Jeremiah confronts the people with their persistent disobedience, emphasizing how they 'stiffened their neck' and refused to listen to God's prophets, mirroring the confession in Nehemiah.
Romans 10:21Paul quotes Isaiah to describe Israel's persistent rebellion, using imagery of stretching out hands to a 'disobedient and contrary people,' which captures the essence of their proud refusal to heed God.
pulpitNehemiah 9:16: "But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,"
Verse 16. - They and our fathers. Rather, "they, our fathers." The vau is used exegetically. Dealt proudly. i.e. "acted insolently." Compare Deuteronomy 1:43, where the same verb is translated "were presumptuous" (marg.). Hardened their necks. So in 2 Kings 17:14.
pooleNehemiah 9:16: "But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,"
Notwithstanding all these singular and wonderful mercies; which he hitherto recounted to aggravate their sins, which he now comes to confess, and to lead them to a sincere and ingenuous grief and repentance for their sins, not only for the mischief which they brought upon themselves, but for the injury and indignity which they offered to God. Dealt proudly, i.e. sinned presu…
The phrase "acted presumptuously" captures a deep arrogance, showing they sinned not out of ignorance, but with outright defiance and contempt for God's clear commands. This wasn't just forgetting; it was a deliberate "stiffening of the neck," a refusal to bend their will to God's, akin to an ox refusing the yoke.
The people of Israel, led by the Levites, are gathered for a profound day of worship and confession. This verse comes amidst a long, detailed prayer that traces God's faithfulness and Israel's persistent rebellion from their exodus out of Egypt, right up to their present exile. They are confessing their ancestors' proud refusal to obey God, even after experiencing His incredible acts of deliverance and provision.
The people of Israel, led by the Levites, are gathered for a profound day of worship and confession. This verse comes amidst a long, detailed prayer that traces God's faithfulness and Israel's persistent rebellion from their exodus out of Egypt, right up to their present exile. They are confessing their ancestors' proud refusal to obey God, even after experiencing His incredible acts of deliverance and provision.
"“But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed…" — The phrase "acted presumptuously" captures a deep arrogance, showing they sinned not out of ignorance, but with outright defiance and contempt for God's clear commands. This wasn't just forgetting; i…
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Last reviewed October 2026
