Forgetting god
Summary
The sinful neglect or willful abandonment of God and His covenant, a characteristic of the wicked and backsliders that leads to destruction.
☩A Mark of Wickedness
Forgetting God is characteristic of the wicked. They 'leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness' (Proverbs 2:13-17). Isaiah rebukes Israel for forgetting God (Isaiah 65:11). The psalmist declares that 'the wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God' (Psalm 9:17). Job warns that the hypocrite's hope shall perish because he forgets God (Job 8:13).
☩Backsliding and Prosperity
Backsliders are especially guilty of forgetting God. Jeremiah laments, 'Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number' (Jeremiah 2:32). Israel 'forgat God their Saviour' (Psalm 106:21). Moses warned that prosperity often leads to forgetfulness: 'When thou hast eaten and art full... beware that thou forget not the LORD' (Deuteronomy 8:10-14). Israel's forgetfulness led to serving other gods.
☩Consequences
Forgetting God means forgetting His covenant (Deuteronomy 4:23, 2 Kings 17:38) and His works (Psalm 78:11). The consequences are severe: 'because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation... therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips' (Isaiah 17:10-11). Hosea warned Israel, 'Seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children' (Hosea 4:6). Those who forget God face His rebuke and judgment (Psalm 50:22).
