In the Old Testament, the phrase "stiff-necked" is used to describe the Israelites who were disobedient to God. In Exodus 32:9, Moses says to God, "I have seen these people, and they are a stiff-necked people." In Deuteronomy 9:6, Moses tells the Israelites, "Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people." These verses show how the Israelites were stubborn and resistant to following God's commands.