תהלים, פרק ע״ח, פסוק מ״ב

A profound failure of memory and a deep sense of ingratitude stand at the center of the criticism directed toward the Israelites. Despite experiencing a massive divine rescue, the people quickly lost sight of the miracles performed for them. The primary approach among commentators is that the Israelites simply forgot the immense strength and power God showed throughout the entire process of their redemption [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, others connect this lapse in memory to specific events. Some explain that the people forgot the sheer awe and fear of the plague of the firstborn [אבן עזרא]. Another perspective suggests they forgot the overwhelming display of God's power when the guiding spirit of Egypt was defeated at the edge of the sea [אלשיך].

This divine intervention was meant to pull the Israelites out of severe distress. God's power was aimed directly at the Egyptian enemy, rescuing the people from their oppressors and leading them out of the land to freedom [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Yet, the most painful aspect of this ingratitude is the timing of their forgetfulness. This was not a gradual fading of memory that happened naturally after months or years of wandering in the desert. Tragically, the Israelites forgot God on the exact day of their redemption. Immediately after He freed them, they rushed to dismiss His wonders. They doubted His ability to perform any further miracles and rebelled against Him that very same day while standing on the shores of the Red Sea [אלשיך, מלבי״ם].