Definition: And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 32:9. It’s a really important part of understanding God's relationship with Israel in ancient times. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s concern for the people he had given to him. He’s noticing that these Israelites are becoming too independent and resistant, which scares him. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And the LORD said unto Moses…” – This establishes God as the one in charge and speaking directly to Moses. It's a command or instruction from God. “…I have seen this people…” - This is a direct observation of God. He’s clearly looking at them. “…and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:” – This is the key part. “It” refers to the Israelites themselves. The word "stiffnecked" means uncontrolled, unwilling, and stubborn. So, God is saying they are not following his instructions well. What does this mean in simpler terms? God is worried that these people aren’t listening to him. They're too focused on their own desires and opinions, and they're not cooperating with his plan for them. It suggests a growing issue of disobedience or resistance. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as the beginning of God's plan to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into a new life in a promised land. It’s a sign that they need guidance and direction from him. In short, it means God is concerned about the people he has chosen, and he’s seeing that they’re not cooperating with him. --- Do you want to explore any of these aspects further? For example: Are you curious about what “stiffnecked” means in more detail? Would you like me to explain why this verse is significant in the story of the Exodus?