Definition: 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:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Isaiah 17:10. It's a really powerful warning about neglecting our relationship with God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that if you’re not focusing on and remembering the God who saved you, you’re going to struggle. You’ll be facing difficulties and challenges without a solid foundation or support. Let's unpack each part: “Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation…” This means you’ve lost sight of the reason you are here, the divine purpose that guides your life. You’re not remembering who you're truly blessed by and what He has planned for you. It's like forgetting where you came from or why you're on this journey. “And hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength…” This is a metaphor for your faith, your values, your moral compass, or your inner strength. “Rock of strength” represents something that provides stability and support – your belief in God, your principles, or your sense of right and wrong. “Therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants…” If you’re neglecting this "rock," you'll be struggling to grow and thrive. You won’t have the resources (strength, faith, wisdom) to overcome obstacles. It suggests a lack of growth and potential. “…and shalt set it with strange slips:” This is the worst-case scenario. “Strange slips” refers to setbacks, disappointments, pain, or difficulties that come your way. These aren't just minor problems; they are unexpected challenges that threaten to undermine you. It’s like trying to build something beautiful with shaky foundations. In a nutshell: The verse warns against drifting away from God and neglecting your faith. It suggests that without a strong connection to God, you won't have the ability to navigate life's difficulties and achieve success or fulfillment. Think of it like this: You’re building a beautiful garden – you need the soil (your faith), the water (your belief), and the foundation (your values) to grow healthy plants. If you neglect those things, your garden will wither. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific story or example?