Isaiah 17:10

KJV

Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:

KJV (with Strong's)

Because thou hast forgotten {H7911} the God {H430} of thy salvation {H3468}, and hast not been mindful {H2142} of the rock {H6697} of thy strength {H4581}, therefore shalt thou plant {H5193} pleasant {H5282} plants {H5194}, and shalt set {H2232} it with strange {H2114} slips {H2156}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For you have forgotten the God who saved you, failed to remember the Rock of your strength; so you plant pagan-style gardens and set out vine-cuttings for a foreign god.

Berean Standard Bible

For you have forgotten the God of your salvation and failed to remember the Rock of your refuge. Therefore, though you cultivate delightful plots and set out cuttings from exotic vines—

American Standard Version

For thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength; therefore thou plantest pleasant plants, and settest it with strange slips.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 17:10 presents a powerful prophetic indictment against the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Damascus, attributing their impending judgment and desolation to a profound spiritual amnesia and misplaced trust. The verse asserts that their failure to remember and rely on God as their ultimate source of salvation and strength has led them to seek security in futile, worldly alternatives, metaphorically described as "pleasant plants" and "strange slips." This spiritual forgetfulness and misguided dependence are portrayed as the root cause of their vulnerability and ultimate downfall, highlighting the severe consequences of abandoning divine reliance for humanistic or idolatrous solutions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 17 functions as an oracle primarily directed against Damascus, the capital of Aram (Syria), and Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel. This prophecy is situated within a broader collection of "burdens" or divine pronouncements against various nations (Isaiah 13-23). Historically, Aram and Israel had formed an alliance against the rising power of Assyria, and also against Judah, during the Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 735-732 BC). Isaiah's consistent message to Judah was to trust in the Lord rather than forming foreign alliances or relying on other nations. Verse 10 specifically addresses Ephraim's spiritual condition, serving as the theological rationale for the judgment described in the preceding and following verses, which detail their desolation and ruin. The agricultural imagery of planting and slips in this verse powerfully foreshadows the grim harvest imagery in [Isaiah 17:11](/isaiah/17-11 "Isaiah 17:11 - The Futile Harvest"), where their efforts yield only sorrow and a "heap of ruins."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The era of Isaiah's prophecy was characterized by immense geopolitical instability, largely driven by the aggressive expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Smaller nations like Aram and Israel constantly sought strategies for survival, often resorting to military alliances with each other or with distant powers like Egypt. Culturally, both nations, despite their covenant with Yahweh, were deeply susceptible to syncretism and idolatry, blending the worship of God with pagan deities and practices prevalent in the ancient Near East. The "rock of thy strength" draws upon a well-understood biblical motif of God as an unshakeable fortress and refuge, a concept particularly resonant in a world where physical strongholds were vital for protection. The "pleasant plants" and "strange slips" likely allude to foreign alliances, pagan fertility cults, or a general reliance on human ingenuity and self-sufficiency—methods alien to God's covenant ways, yet appealing in their perceived immediate benefits and worldly wisdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. A central theme is **Divine Sovereignty versus Human Folly**, where God's ultimate control over nations and history is contrasted with humanity's futile attempts to secure itself apart from Him. The concept of **Spiritual Forgetfulness and Apostasy** is paramount, as Israel's failure to "remember" God is not mere amnesia but a deliberate neglect and turning away from active dependence and covenant faithfulness. This profound forgetfulness inevitably leads to **Misplaced Trust and Idolatry**, as the people seek security in "strange slips" (foreign alliances, idols, self-sufficiency) rather than in the "rock of thy strength." The dire consequences of this misplaced trust are **Judgment and Desolation**, a recurring motif throughout Isaiah, demonstrating that abandoning the true source of life inevitably leads to barrenness and ruin, as seen in the broader context of [Isaiah 17](/isaiah/17 "Isaiah 17 - Prophecy Against Damascus and Ephraim") and powerfully echoed in warnings found in [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Broken Cisterns").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **forgotten (Hebrew, _shâkach'_):** This primitive root signifies to mislay, or to be oblivious of, stemming from a lack of memory or attention. In a theological context, as applied to Israel's relationship with God, it implies much more than a simple mental lapse. It denotes a deliberate neglect, disregard, or abandonment of God, His commands, His covenant, and His past acts of deliverance. It suggests a turning away from the active, mindful, and reciprocal relationship required by the covenant, leading to practical apostasy.
* **rock (Hebrew, _tsûwr'_):** Properly, a cliff or sharp rock, this term is frequently used figuratively in the Old Testament to denote a refuge, strength, or security. When applied to God, as here and in numerous other passages (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God is the Rock")), it emphasizes His unchangeable nature, His steadfastness, and His role as the unshakeable foundation and ultimate source of protection, stability, and power for His people. To "forget" or not be "mindful" of this "rock" is to abandon one's very foundation and true source of security.
* **strange (Hebrew, _zûwr'_):** A primitive root meaning to turn aside, especially for lodging, but also to be a foreigner, strange, or profane. In this context, "strange" (as in "strange slips") implies something alien, illicit, or foreign to the covenant relationship with Yahweh. It refers to practices, alliances, or beliefs that are not from God, are outside His revealed will, and are therefore inherently unholy, unhelpful, or even destructive in the divine economy. They are not indigenous to the true spiritual life God intends for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation":** This initial clause identifies the fundamental spiritual failure of Israel. The act of "forgetting" implies not merely a lapse in memory, but a deliberate disregard and practical abandonment of the Lord, who had historically delivered them from bondage (e.g., Egypt) and continually offered them deliverance and well-being. He is explicitly identified as the source of their "salvation" (deliverance, safety, prosperity), underscoring His active and essential role in their history and ongoing welfare.
* **"and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength":** This phrase powerfully reinforces the first charge, emphasizing a lack of active remembrance, consideration, and reliance. God is depicted as an unshakeable "rock," symbolizing His steadfastness, reliability, and His role as the ultimate source of their "strength" (fortification, defense, power). To not be mindful of this rock means they have ignored their true foundation and protector, choosing instead to lean on unstable alternatives.
* **"therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants":** This introduces the direct and inevitable consequence of their spiritual neglect and forgetfulness. The word "therefore" establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship. "Pleasant plants" (literally, "plantings of pleasantness" or "delightful plants") symbolize attractive, seemingly beneficial, but ultimately superficial and human-derived solutions or practices. These are the appealing but deceptive alternatives Israel turns to in their search for security, prosperity, and satisfaction apart from God. They are appealing to the eye but lack true root.
* **"and shalt set it with strange slips":** This further clarifies the nature of their misplaced trust and the methods they employ. "Strange slips" (literally, "slips of a stranger/foreigner") refer to grafts or cuttings that are alien to the true vine of God's covenant. They represent foreign alliances (e.g., with Assyria or Egypt), pagan idolatry, or any ungodly means by which Israel sought to secure itself. These are "strange" because they are fundamentally antithetical to the nature and will of God, and thus cannot bear true, lasting, or divinely blessed fruit.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 17:10 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message of spiritual apostasy and its consequences. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrases "God of thy salvation" and "rock of thy strength." God is not literally a rock, but this powerful imagery conveys His unchanging, unshakeable, and protective nature, serving as an unyielding refuge and foundation. This divine steadfastness stands in stark contrast to the fragile, human-made solutions Israel seeks. **Symbolism** is central to the latter part of the verse, where "pleasant plants" and "strange slips" symbolize Israel's futile and misguided attempts to find security and prosperity outside of God's covenant. The "pleasant plants" suggest superficial attractiveness and immediate gratification, while "strange slips" denote foreign, illicit, or ungodly practices and alliances that are alien to God's ways. The entire verse functions as a powerful example of **Cause and Effect**, explicitly stating that "because" Israel has forgotten God, "therefore" they will engage in these self-defeating actions. This highlights the direct and inevitable consequence of spiritual apostasy. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony**, as Israel seeks "pleasant" things and "strength" outside of the very God who is truly pleasant and their ultimate strength, leading them to a barren and sorrowful harvest (as seen in the subsequent verse).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 17:10 serves as a stark reminder of the foundational biblical truth that true security, lasting peace, and genuine salvation are found exclusively in God. When humanity forgets or neglects the Lord, who is the "rock of their strength," they inevitably turn to futile, self-devised methods for security, which are ultimately "strange" and unproductive. This verse underscores the covenant relationship God desires with His people—one of exclusive trust, dependence, and active remembrance. It warns against the spiritual danger of syncretism, idolatry, and reliance on human ingenuity or foreign powers, emphasizing that such actions are not merely pragmatic errors but profound theological betrayals with severe consequences. The vivid imagery of planting and slips highlights the futility and ultimate barrenness of trying to cultivate life and blessing from sources alien to God, ultimately leading to a harvest of sorrow and desolation rather than sustenance.

* [Deuteronomy 32:18](/deuteronomy/32-18 "Forgetting the Rock Who Gave You Birth")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")
* [Psalm 62:7](/psalms/62-7 "God My Rock and Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 17:10 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to critically examine the foundations of our own trust and security. In a world constantly offering appealing but fleeting solutions, it challenges us to ask whether we are truly "mindful of the rock of our strength"—the unchanging, sovereign God—or if we are, like ancient Israel, planting "pleasant plants" and setting "strange slips." This spiritual tendency can manifest in various ways: relying on financial security, career success, human relationships, political ideologies, or even self-help philosophies as our ultimate source of peace, stability, and significance, rather than the living God. The verse calls us to a radical reorientation, reminding us that any effort to build life and find lasting satisfaction apart from God is ultimately futile and will yield a harvest of disappointment, bitterness, or emptiness. True salvation and strength are not found in our own ingenuity or worldly alliances, but in a vibrant, active, and remembering relationship with the God who saves and sustains.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to forget God as my ultimate source of salvation and strength?**
* **What "pleasant plants" or "strange slips"—worldly strategies, deceptive comforts, or self-reliant efforts—do I sometimes turn to instead of relying wholeheartedly on God?**
* **How can I cultivate a more active and mindful remembrance of God's past faithfulness and present power in my daily life?**
* **What would it look like to truly trust God as my "rock" in a specific challenge or area of insecurity I am currently facing?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Israel "forgotten the God of thy salvation"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies more than a simple lapse of memory. It indicates a profound spiritual neglect and a deliberate turning away from active dependence on God. Israel had forgotten God's historical acts of deliverance (their "salvation" from Egypt, their provision in the wilderness, their victories in Canaan) and His enduring covenant faithfulness. This forgetfulness led to a practical abandonment of their relationship with Him, causing them to seek security and strength from other sources, which the Bible often equates with idolatry or misplaced trust. It's a failure to acknowledge God's ongoing role as their protector, provider, and ultimate deliverer, a betrayal of the covenant relationship He initiated.

**What are the "pleasant plants" and "strange slips" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: These are powerful metaphors for the futile and ungodly methods Israel employed to secure itself apart from God. "Pleasant plants" (Hebrew: *nit'ei na'amanim*) refer to seemingly attractive or desirable solutions that offer immediate gratification or perceived security, but are ultimately superficial, lacking divine blessing and true root. They represent human-devised plans that appear good but are spiritually barren. "Strange slips" (Hebrew: *zemorat zar*) refer to cuttings from a foreign or alien source, symbolizing practices, alliances, or beliefs that are not of God. This could include forming political alliances with pagan nations (like Assyria or Egypt), adopting idolatrous worship practices, or relying solely on human strength and wisdom. These efforts are "strange" because they are alien to God's covenant ways and are destined to fail, bearing no lasting fruit. The very next verse, [Isaiah 17:11](/isaiah/17-11 "Isaiah 17:11 - The Futile Harvest"), vividly describes the sorrowful and desolate harvest of these misguided plantings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 17:10, with its indictment of Israel for forgetting "the God of thy salvation" and "the rock of thy strength," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Israel's failure to trust in their divine Rock foreshadows humanity's universal tendency to seek salvation and strength apart from God, constructing our own "pleasant plants" and "strange slips" of self-reliance, worldly systems, or false gods. However, the New Testament reveals that God Himself provided the true and ultimate "Rock of salvation" in Jesus Christ. As [1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ, the Spiritual Rock") declares, "that Rock was Christ." He is the unshakeable foundation upon which genuine life and eternal security are built, the one who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Those who forget Him or seek alternative saviors are indeed planting futile seeds that will yield a harvest of sorrow. In contrast, those who build their lives on Christ, the cornerstone rejected by human builders but chosen by God ([1 Peter 2:7](/1_peter/2-7 "1 Peter 2:7 - Christ the Cornerstone")), find eternal salvation and an unyielding strength that transcends all earthly vulnerabilities. He is the living water ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Living Water")), the true vine ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine")), from whom all true spiritual fruit flows, providing the ultimate antidote to the barrenness of "strange slips" planted in forgetfulness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 2:32

Can a maid forget her ornaments, [or] a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.

Isaiah 26:4

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

Deuteronomy 32:18

Of the Rock [that] begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.

Hosea 13:6

According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.

Hosea 13:7

Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe [them]:

Psalms 106:21

They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;

Deuteronomy 32:4

[He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.