Isaiah 17:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 17:10
10 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:
Chapter Context
Isaiah 17 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, worship, wisdom. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-14: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 17:10
10 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:
Analysis
'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.' The indictment is clear: forgetting God despite His salvation. The title 'God of thy salvation' recalls exodus deliverance—Israel forgot their Redeemer. 'Rock of thy strength' emphasizes God as foundation, refuge, source of security. Yet they plant 'pleasant plants' and 'strange slips' (foreign vine cuttings)—likely referring to fertility cult practices involving sacred gardens and foreign religious practices. They cultivate beautiful but spiritually deadly imports rather than trusting their Rock. This illustrates the exchange of glory (true God) for worthless idols (Romans 1:23).
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence reveals widespread syncretism in pre-exilic Israel, including cultic gardens associated with fertility worship. The 'pleasant plants' and 'strange slips' likely refer to gardens dedicated to Adonis or other dying-and-rising vegetation deities popular in Syria-Palestine. These involved ritualized planting and mourning in supposed fertility magic. Jeremiah and Ezekiel also condemn such practices. The irony is profound: seeking agricultural prosperity through fertility cults while forgetting the God who controls rain, seasons, and harvests. Israel exchanged the substance (true God) for shadows (ineffective rituals).
Reflection
- What does 'forgetting the God of thy salvation' reveal about the human tendency toward spiritual amnesia?
- How do 'pleasant plants' and 'strange slips' illustrate the appeal of false religion?
- In what ways do people today exchange the true God for attractive but spiritually deadly alternatives?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Salvation: Isaiah 12:2, Psalms 85:4, 106:21
- References God: Deuteronomy 32:4, 32:18
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 26:4, 51:13, Psalms 106:13, Jeremiah 2:32, 17:13