4:16a

For Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn heifer: In Hebrew, this verse part begins with a word that the Berean Standard Bible and some other versions translate as For. There are two ways to interpret the function of this word:

(1) It introduces the reason for something that follows. Israel is stubborn. For that reason, the LORD will no longer care for the people as a shepherd cares for his sheep. For example:

16a
Since Israel is stubborn Like a stubborn heifer, 16b Can the Lord now pasture them Like a lamb in a large field? (New American Standard Bible)

(2) It introduces the explanation for a previous statement. It was because of Israel’s stubbornness that they were forbidden to use the LORD’s name. It was also because of their stubbornness that they were immoral and worshiped idols. For example:

for Israel is as stubborn as a stubborn heifer (New Jerusalem Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). It fits well with the logic of the verse, that Israel’s stubbornness is the reason for the LORD’s response in 4:16b. Many versions leave the reason implied. For example:

Like a stubborn heifer, Israel is stubborn (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
The Israelites are stubborn, like a stubborn heifer. (New International Version)

If is natural in your language to express this reason implicitly, you may do so.

as obstinate as a stubborn heifer: This is a simile that compares the behavior of the people of Israel to that of a stubborn heifer/cow. A stubborn heifer refuses to follow the person that tries to lead it. Similarly, the people of Israel refuse to follow the LORD and obey him. It is recommended that you keep this comparison if the meaning is clear. If the meaning is not clear in your language, you may substitute a different comparison that has the same meaning and impact. For example:

as stubborn as mules (Good News Translation)

heifer: This word refers to a young cow that has not given birth to a calf. Some languages may have a word that refers specifically to this kind of cow. In other languages, it may be necessary to use a more general word or phrase. For example:

like a stubborn young cow (New Century Version)
-or-
like a stubborn cow (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)

4:16b

Can the LORD now shepherd them like lambs in an open meadow?: Here the LORD gave his response to the stubbornness of Israel by using another simile. He compared the people of Israel to lambs in a large pasture. There are two ways to interpret this comparison:

(1) It is a rhetorical question. The implied negative answer is: “He cannot.” The Israelites were so stubborn that the LORD could not provide and care for them as a shepherd would lead and care for his sheep. For example:

can the Lord now feed them like a lamb in a broad pasture? (New Revised Standard Version)

This same interpretation can also be expressed as a statement. For example:

so stubborn that I, the Lord, cannot feed you like lambs in an open pasture (Contemporary English Version)

(2) It is a statement of the LORD’s judgment. He compared the people of Israel to sheep in a wide land. The meaning is that he will scatter them to places where they would not be under his care and protection. For example:

so the Lord will put her out to pasture. She will stand alone and unprotected, like a helpless lamb in an open field. (New Living Translation (1996))

(King James Version, New Century Version, NET Bible, Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures, New Living Translation (1996))

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) along with most versions. The image of a shepherd caring for sheep is a common one in the Old Testament. The image almost always has a positive connotation.

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