Manasseh's name, meaning "making forgetful" or "the forgetter," signifies a tendency among his descendants to forget their past. This forgetfulness allows them to start anew without the burdens of previous experiences, which can be beneficial for moving forward without regrets or grudges. However, this same trait can lead to negative consequences, as they may fail to learn from past mistakes, resulting in repeated painful experiences. They might rush into new ideas and innovations without considering historical wisdom or traditional boundaries, often leading to significant losses in money, integrity, and even lives. America, identified as Manasseh, exemplifies this forgetfulness in several critical areas. Firstly, Americans have forgotten God and the eternal values of His Word, leading to a decline in biblical literacy and church attendance, and an increase in atheism, paganism, and secularism. This lack of spiritual foundation has resulted in a society guided by fleeting emotions and beliefs rather than a solid moral core. Secondly, the nation has forgotten its founding fathers and the foundational documents they created. Instead of venerating these figures and their works, many now view them negatively, seeking to erase their contributions from public memory and discourse. Lastly, Americans have forgotten their history, dismissing the struggles and achievements that shaped the nation. This includes the efforts to overcome challenges like colonization, the Civil War, and the expansion of rights, as well as the country's history of generosity and aid to others. This forgetfulness has led to a decline in national pride and an inability to appreciate America's unique contributions to the world. Overall, Manasseh's forgetfulness, while allowing for new beginnings, has become a significant shortcoming for America, leading to moral and societal decay.

Forgetfulness is a significant issue as it leads to overlooking God's role as the Giver of all good blessings. In the wilderness, Israel forgot God's power and the miracles He performed to free them from Egypt, resulting in severe consequences including loss of life and extended time in the wilderness. Similarly, Psalm 106 notes that Israel did not remember God's numerous mercies. This tendency to forget is not limited to the Israelites but is a shared human trait, influenced by the out-of-sight, out-of-mind principle. Even daily miracles like manna and the guiding cloud and fire were eventually taken for granted by the Israelites. This forgetfulness is a reminder that we must consciously think of our relationship with God, as our lives are bound to His purpose.

The Pilgrims feared losing their English roots after 10 years in Holland, which motivated them to consider founding a Holy Commonwealth of their own. They were concerned that their time in Leiden had not been the spiritual haven they expected, prompting them to engage in a day of fasting and fervent prayer before leaving for America. They recognized the dangers and difficulties of their journey but believed that through God's help, they could overcome them. The city of Leiden, despite being their home for nearly twelve years, was left behind as they set their sights on a higher purpose, looking to the heavens as their true home. Their faith and fortitude were crucial in their decision to sail to America, driven by a desire not to forget their spiritual heritage and dedication to God.

One of the major commands that God gives both spiritual and physical Israel is to not forget Him or His laws as we progress in our lives during work, relations with friends and family, and within the church. In Deuteronomy 8 the law to remember God is emphasized during times of greater prosperity as good times can cause us to focus on the blessings instead of the Giver. Reviewing the concept of forgetting and the mechanisms by which it happens we see that there are several ways that our neglect of keeping God in our memory can occur. Psychologist Kendra Cherry lists four important points: "forgetting by decay, forgetting by interference, forgetting by failure to store, and motivated forgetting." God's called out ones are often afflicted severely with "spiritual Alzheimer's." Israelites forgot God after seeing powerful miracles. Both ancient and modern Israelites under the New Covenant must by constant vigilance remember God and engage in activities such as prayer, Bible Study, and singing to reinforce our memory that we are dependent upon God's grace and mercy.