Definition: For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 31:27. It’s a really important passage about transitioning to a new life and leadership. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that the speaker (who is referencing Moses) has seen a lot of rebellion and stubbornness in the people he’s leading. They’ve been resisting God’s guidance and being difficult, and it’s clear they’ll continue to do so after he's gone. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For I know thy rebellion…” – This means Moses knows that the people are disobeying God’s commands and following their own desires instead of listening to what God has told them. It’s a clear observation of their behavior. “…and thy stiff neck…” – “Stiff neck” is a metaphor. It represents stubbornness, resistance, or unwillingness to bend down and listen to the truth. They’re clinging to their own ideas and not willing to change. “Behold, while I am yet alive with you this day…” - This is a crucial part. Moses is pointing out that he's currently living alongside them – leading them. It’s a present-day observation of their behavior. “…ye have been rebellious against the LORD…” - This is the main point – they are actively defying God's will and instructions. They aren’t just occasionally disagreeing; they're consistently resisting. “And how much more after my death?” – This is a sobering thought. It suggests that this resistance won’t stop with his death. It implies that the people will continue to disobey God, and there will be even more consequences and hardship afterward. In simpler terms: Moses is saying that the people have been acting like rebels against God throughout his life, and he anticipates that they'll continue to do so after he’s gone. It’s a warning about the future and the potential for continued disobedience. What does this verse mean in the bigger picture? It’s often interpreted as a prophecy of a time when the people will become increasingly difficult for Moses to lead, and that leadership will be challenged. It's about the importance of obedience and trusting God’s guidance – even when it’s hard. It also highlights the need for Moses to remain steadfast and continue to guide his people through difficult times. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Connect it to another Bible passage? Discuss its significance within the context of Israel’s history?