Zechariah 7:11
But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
Study Note
Study Note
'But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear' — the historical review of pre-exilic Israel's covenant failure in Zechariah 7:8–14 employs three physical images of willful non-reception: averted posture, covered ears, and (verse 12) an 'adamantine heart.' The three refusals parallel Jeremiah's repeated description of Israel as 'stiff-necked' and echo the covenant lawsuit genre of the prophets (Isaiah 1:2–4; Amos 4:6–11). The 'stubborn shoulder' (kataph sorerot, literally 'a shoulder of stubbornness/rebellion') may allude to an ox refusing to accept the yoke — a physical image for resistance to divine direction. The post-exilic audience's question about fasting (7:1–3) is answered by this recital: before asking about ritual observance, consider whether the justice and mercy YHWH requires (7:9) are being practiced.
Other Translations
But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they might not hear.
And they refuse to attend, And they give a refractory shoulder, And their ears have made heavy against hearing.
But they would not give attention, turning their backs and stopping their ears from hearing;
Cross References
Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with …
But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath …
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the Lord, we will not hearken …
And I will punish him and his seed and his servants for their iniquity; and I will bring upon them, …
I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye …
Then will I make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of …
To hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and …
But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive …
This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after …