6:6 Why should you harden your hearts. Forms of the Hebrew word translated “harden” in this sentence are encountered often in the story of the rejection of the priesthood of Eli’s house and the loss of the ark. Elsewhere the word is translated “glory” (v. 5; 4:21), and “honor” (see 2:29 and note).

dealt severely with them. Or “toyed with them,” “abused them.” The same expression is used in 31:4; Ex. 10:2; Jer. 38:19.