מלכים ב, פרק י״ז, פסוק י״ד

The refusal of the people to accept correction is not a sudden failure, but the revival of an ancient pattern of betrayal. The imagery of stiffening the neck focuses on the back of the head [מצודת ציון], serving as a vivid metaphor for distancing oneself from guidance. It describes a condition where the neck becomes entirely rigid, preventing the people from turning their heads back to face the prophet and hear his message [מצודת דוד]. This physical turning away is far more than simple stubbornness; it is the direct result of a deep-seated lack of faith in God [מלבי״ם].

This defiant posture directly mirrors the actions of past generations, specifically echoing the ancestors who worshipped the Golden Calf in the desert [מצודת דוד]. Just like those early Israelites, the current generation fails to remain loyal to God [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. They actively refuse to believe in Him, completely ignoring the clear truths delivered by the prophets [רלב״ג].