The term "stubborn-hearted" is used to describe individuals who are resistant to change, correction, or guidance, particularly in their relationship with God. This concept is often associated with a hardened heart, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. A stubborn heart is characterized by an unwillingness to listen to God's commands, a refusal to repent, and a persistent pursuit of one's own desires over God's will.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 46:12 : "Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness." In this passage, God addresses the Israelites, calling them stubborn-hearted because of their distance from righteousness. This verse highlights the spiritual condition of those who are obstinate and resistant to God's call for repentance and righteousness.

2. Exodus 7:13 : "Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said." Pharaoh's hardened heart serves as a classic example of stubborn-heartedness. Despite witnessing numerous signs and wonders, Pharaoh's refusal to heed God's command to let the Israelites go demonstrates the dangers of a stubborn heart.

3. Proverbs 29:1 : "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery." This proverb warns of the consequences of stubbornness. A person who continually resists correction is at risk of sudden and irreparable destruction, emphasizing the peril of a stubborn heart.

4. Zechariah 7:11-12 : "But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped their ears from hearing. They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets." Here, the prophet Zechariah describes the Israelites' stubbornness in rejecting God's messages delivered through the prophets. Their hardened hearts led to spiritual deafness and disobedience.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, a stubborn heart is indicative of a deeper spiritual problem—an unwillingness to submit to God's authority. This condition is often linked to pride, self-reliance, and a lack of faith. The stubborn-hearted are contrasted with those who are humble and contrite, who are open to God's guidance and correction.

Spiritual Consequences:

The stubborn-hearted face significant spiritual consequences. Their resistance to God's will can lead to a separation from His presence and blessings. In the Old Testament, the Israelites' stubbornness often resulted in divine judgment and exile. Similarly, individuals today who persist in their stubbornness risk spiritual stagnation and alienation from God.

Call to Repentance:

Despite the severity of stubborn-heartedness, the Bible consistently offers a call to repentance. God, in His mercy, invites the stubborn-hearted to turn back to Him. Ezekiel 36:26 promises, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This transformation is possible through genuine repentance and submission to God's will, leading to a renewed relationship with Him.

"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his ...
... opinion of themselves, and I think this hath been the spot of this people, they
would not take with their guiltiness"a stubborn hearted people, wholehearted. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv they have corrupted.htm

From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive
... in the most awful distress, and uttered such doleful lamentations that it was frightful
to behold them, and enough to affect the most stubborn-hearted sinner. ...
/.../a history of the methodist episcopal church volume i/chapter 2 from 1787 to.htm

Stubborn-hearted (1 Occurrence)
Stubborn-hearted. Stubborn, Stubborn-hearted. Stubbornly .
Multi-Version Concordance Stubborn-hearted (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/stubborn-hearted.htm - 6k

Stubbornly (10 Occurrences)

/s/stubbornly.htm - 9k

Stubborn (40 Occurrences)

/s/stubborn.htm - 18k

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