4 For I knew how stubborn you were; your neck muscles were iron, your forehead was bronze.
4 Because I know that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew and your forehead brass,
4 I know you're a bunch of hardheads, obstinate and flint-faced,
4 Because I knew that you were obstinate, And your neck was an iron sinew, And your brow bronze,
4 For I know how stubborn and obstinate you are. Your necks are as unbending as iron. Your heads are as hard as bronze.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 48:4
Commentary on Isaiah 48:1-8
(Read Isaiah 48:1-8)
The Jews valued themselves on descent from Jacob, and used the name of Jehovah as their God. They prided themselves respecting Jerusalem and the temple, yet there was no holiness in their lives. If we are not sincere in religion, we do but take the name of the Lord in vain. By prophecy they were shown how God would deal with them, long before it came to pass. God has said and done enough to prevent men's boasting of themselves, which makes the sin and ruin of the proud worse; sooner or later every mouth shall be stopped, and all become silent before Him. We are all born children of disobedience. Where original sin is, actual sin will follow. Does not the conscience of every man witness to the truth of Scripture? May the Lord prove us, and render us doers of the word.