Overview
Obduracy is the willful resistance and hardening of one's heart against God's Word and His messengers. Throughout Scripture, God sends prophets and warnings to call people to repentance, yet many refuse to listen. This stubborn rejection of divine truth results in progressive spiritual hardening, where God eventually gives people over to their chosen path of rebellion.
Key Scriptures
"The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and his dwelling place. But they mocked God's messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets" (2 Chronicles 36:15-16, NIV).
"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God" (Psalms 95:6-7, NIV). Yet the psalmist warns against hardening hearts as Israel did in the wilderness (Psalms 95:8-11).
"Since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh at your disaster" (Proverbs 1:24-26, NIV).
Application
Respond promptly to God's conviction through His Word rather than allowing your heart to grow hardened through repeated rejection of His truth.