Deut. 7:12 - 11:25
PrĂ©cis: Moses continues his recapitulation of the commandments to the people, reminding them to be obedient to God’s laws in their forthcoming struggle with the Canaanites. He describes in detail all of the blessings which God had already provided them, and reminds them to bless and thank God for the bounty they receive. On the other hand, they should follow the rebelliousness of their fathers, including the incident of the Golden Calf, punishment will occur.
Deut. 9:6 “Know that it is not for any virtue of yours that Adonai your God is giving you this Land to own, for you are a stiff-necked people.”
We are, most would admit, surrounded by stiff-necked people these days. Indeed, many of those reading these words fall into that category, at least politically. Rashi tells us “They turn the stiff back of their necks toward those who would rebuke them and refuse to listen.” And the Sforno adds, “Hence there is no hope that they will repent, but follow the stubbornness of their hearts as before.” After they built the Golden Calf, God refers to the People of Israel as am k’shei oref (stiff-necked). Despite multiple warnings, the people are susceptible to idolatry and are too stubborn to change their ways.
Commenting on am k’shei oref, Nachmanides notes that being stiff-necked can earn positive results. He explains: “God is in their midst because they are a stiff-necked people” (Ramban on Exodus 34:9). Throughout the years of wandering in the wilderness, the People Israel were rebellious and wayward children, always getting into trouble. God could have simply sent an angel to accompany us on the way, but God drew even nearer, kept an even closer watch on us. Because we are a stiff-necked people, we require even more of God’s attention and care. And God does not give up on us.
Perhaps Nachmanides’ concept can provide hope to Americans in this incredibly difficult time of epidemic, political division, unemployment, and fear. God does not give up on us, and perhaps we should not give up on ourselves.
P.S.: I'm attaching a link to a terrific article which discusses Jewish views of why evil persists in the world. Worth a read:
