A harsh and direct message is delivered to the Israelites, highlighting their deep lack of gratitude. Despite everything God had done for them in the past, the people still chose to turn their backs on Him [ביאור שטיינזלץ].
This divine response serves as a direct counter to the arguments made by the Israelites themselves. They attempted to claim that they had never actually forsaken God. However, the answer they receive shatters this defense, making it clear that by choosing to worship other gods, they had indeed truly abandoned Him [מלבי״ם]. Because of this complete betrayal, an inevitable conclusion is reached. God makes a decisive declaration that He will no longer step in to save them.