Nehemiah 9:16

But they and our fathers The -and" here seems not to be necessary. It is found, however, in all the MSS., and is represented in all the Versions, and must clearly be retained in the text. As the following Nehemiah 9:17-22 continue to refer to the Mosaic generation, no distinction of meaning can be drawn between -they" and -our fathers." It seems best therefore to regard the -and" as an instance of the explanatory or exegetical copula. -They and (that is to say) our fathers." Cf. Nehemiah 9:22.

dealt proudly Cf. Nehemiah 9:10. In this verse and in Nehemiah 9:29 the word is used with reference to the children of Israel, as in Deuteronomy 1:43, -ye rebelled … and were presumptuous." Deuteronomy 17:13, -all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously."

hardened their necks R.V. neck. Cf. Nehemiah 9:17; Nehemiah 9:29. For the phrase -a stiff-necked people" cf. Exodus 32:9; Exodus 33:3; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 9:6; Deuteronomy 9:13. -To stiffen" or -harden the neck" is found in Deuteronomy 10:16, -Be no more stiff-necked," 2 Kings 17:14, -they would not hear, but hardened their neck, like to the neck of their fathers." Cf. Job 9:4.