2 Kings 17:14 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Notwithstanding, they would not hear, but hardened their necks Refused to submit their necks to the yoke of God's precepts: a metaphor taken from stubborn oxen that will not bow to the yoke. Like to the neck of their fathers In the wilderness; that did not believe in the Lord their God This was the original and primary cause of all their sins and sufferings, their unbelief; this formerly prevented their fathers from entering Canaan, and now turned them out of it: they did not truly believe in God's power, and love, and faithfulness; did not receive his truths, though attested by signs and wonders innumerable; did not credit his threatenings, nor rely on his promises. The testimony of the prophets, therefore, was without effect, with respect to the nation in general, and their endeavours to reclaim them were exerted in vain. And God was compelled, humanly speaking, in vindication of his own infinite perfections, the injured rights of his moral government, and the cause of truth and righteousness, to execute the frequently-denounced vengeance, and send wrath upon them to the uttermost.