pleasures, and 'vine slips of a stranger' refers to sensuous idolatry as
well as to the entangling alliance. Then follows a contemptuous
description of the rapid growth of this alliance and of the care with
which Israel cultivated it. 'In a day thou makest thy plant to grow' (or
fencest it), and next morning it was in blossom, so sedulously had they
nursed and fostered it. Then comes the smiting contrast of what it was
all for--'A harvest heap in the day of sickness and incurable pain.'

Now we may take this in a more general way as containing large truths
which affect the life of every one of us.

I. The Sin of a Godless Life.

(a) Notice the Sin charged. It is merely negative--_forgettest_. There
is no charge of positive hostility or of any overt act. This
forgetfulness is most natural and easy to be fallen into. The constant
pressure of the world. It indicates alienation of heart from God.

It is most common among us, far more so than active infidelity, far more
so than gross sin, far more so than conscious hostility.

(b) The implied Criminality of it. He is the 'Rock of thy strength' and
the 'God of thy salvation.' Rock is the grand Old Testament name of God,
expressing in a pregnant metaphor both what He is in Himself and what in
relation to those who trust Him. It speaks of stability, elevation,
massiveness, and of defence and security. The parallel title sets Him
forth as the Giver of salvation; and both names set in clear light the
sinful ingratitude of forgetting God, and force home the question: 'Do
ye thus requite the Lord, oh foolish people and unwise?'