Isaiah 28:4

KJV

And the glorious beauty, which [is] on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, [and] as the hasty fruit before the summer; which [when] he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the glorious {H6643} beauty {H8597}, which is on the head {H7218} of the fat {H8081} valley {H1516}, shall be a fading {H5034} flower {H6733}, and as the hasty fruit {H1061} before the summer {H7019}; which when he that looketh {H7200} upon it seeth {H7200}, while it is yet in his hand {H3709} he eateth it up {H1104}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the fading flower of its proud splendor, located at the head of the rich valley, is like the first ripe fig of summer whoever sees it picks and eats it.

Berean Standard Bible

The fading flower of his beautiful splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, will be like a ripe fig before the summer harvest: Whoever sees it will take it in his hand and swallow it.

American Standard Version

and the fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be as the first-ripe fig before the summer; which when he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 28:4 delivers a powerful prophetic indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel, specifically targeting Samaria, its proud capital. The verse employs vivid, agricultural imagery to declare the city's apparent splendor and prosperity as utterly ephemeral and destined for swift annihilation. Likening Samaria's "glorious beauty" to a rapidly wilting flower and a highly desirable early fig that is instantly consumed, the prophecy underscores the transient nature of worldly pride and the certainty of divine judgment, which will swiftly and completely devour its perceived strength.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a series of "woe oracles" pronounced by the prophet Isaiah, primarily against the Northern Kingdom of Israel (often referred to as Ephraim) in [Isaiah 28](/isaiah/28 "Isaiah 28 - Woe to Ephraim and Jerusalem"), before shifting focus to Judah and Jerusalem. The immediate context, [Isaiah 28:1-6](/isaiah/28-1-6 "Isaiah 28:1-6 - Woe to Ephraim's Drunkards and the Fading Crown"), specifically condemns the "drunkards of Ephraim" and their "crown of pride," which is Samaria. Isaiah 28:4 directly elaborates on the "glorious beauty" introduced in [Isaiah 28:1](/isaiah/28-1 "Isaiah 28:1 - Woe to the Crown of Pride"), intensifying the imagery of decay and swift destruction. The prophet contrasts Samaria's fleeting glory with the enduring "crown of glory" and "diadem of beauty" that the Lord Himself will be to His remnant ([Isaiah 28:5](/isaiah/28-5 "Isaiah 28:5 - The Lord as a Crown of Glory")), setting up a profound theological contrast between human pride and divine steadfastness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during the 8th century BCE, a period marked by the aggressive expansion of the Assyrian Empire. The Northern Kingdom of Israel, though experiencing a period of relative prosperity and political stability under kings like Jeroboam II, was simultaneously in deep moral and spiritual decline, characterized by idolatry, injustice, and drunkenness among its leaders. Samaria, strategically built on a fertile hill, symbolized this wealth and prominence. The phrase "fat valley" (Hebrew: _gei shmanim_) refers to the rich, fertile plains surrounding Samaria, indicative of its agricultural abundance and the luxurious lifestyle of its elite. The metaphors of a "fading flower" and "hasty fruit" would have been immediately understood by an agrarian society, where the seasonal nature of crops and the rapid perishability of certain early fruits (like the early fig) were common knowledge. This imagery powerfully conveyed the imminent and total destruction that the Assyrian invasion would bring upon Samaria, swiftly consuming its perceived strength and beauty.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 28:4](/isaiah/28-4 "Isaiah 28:4 - The Fading Glory of Samaria") profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Divine Judgment** against human pride and spiritual apostasy. Samaria's downfall is not presented as a random geopolitical event but as a direct consequence of its rebellion against God's covenant, demonstrating His righteous wrath and sovereign control over nations. Another significant theme is the **Transience of Worldly Glory and Security**. The vivid imagery of the "fading flower" and "hasty fruit" underscores that material wealth, human power, and outward splendor, when not grounded in obedience to God, are inherently temporary and ultimately unsustainable. This resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on the impermanence of earthly existence and achievements, as echoed in passages like [Psalm 90:5-6](/psalm/90-5-6 "Psalm 90:5-6 - Life as a Fading Flower") and [1 John 2:17](/1_john/2-17 "1 John 2:17 - The World and its Desires Pass Away"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Swiftness and Completeness of Destruction**. The immediate consumption of the "hasty fruit" signifies that what appears desirable and strong will be quickly and utterly devoured, leaving nothing behind, a stark warning of God's decisive and thorough judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glorious beauty (Hebrew, _tsᵉbîy'_):** From H6643, this word signifies splendor, prominence, or beauty, often associated with a gazelle (known for its beauty). In this context, it ironically describes the outward magnificence, prestige, and perceived strength of Samaria, which, despite its impressive appearance and strategic importance, was morally corrupt. The term highlights the contrast between its outward show and its inner decay, setting the stage for its impending disgrace.
* **Fading (Hebrew, _nâbêl'_):** From H5034, this primitive root means "to wilt," "to fall away," or "to fail." It can also carry the figurative sense of being foolish or wicked, and causatively, to despise or disgrace. Here, it vividly portrays the rapid decay, loss of vitality, and ultimate collapse of Samaria's beauty and power, emphasizing its impermanence and inevitable decline.
* **Eateth it up (Hebrew, _bâlaʻ'_):** From H1104, a primitive root meaning "to make away with (specifically by swallowing)" or, more generally, "to destroy." This powerful verb conveys a sense of swift, complete, and irreversible consumption or annihilation. It underscores the sudden and total nature of the judgment that will befall Samaria, implying that its former glory will be utterly devoured, leaving no trace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower":** This initial clause introduces the subject of divine judgment: Samaria, personified by its "glorious beauty" and its strategic location. The phrase "on the head" (Hebrew: _rôʼsh_) refers to its prominent, elevated position, symbolizing its leadership, pride, and perceived invincibility. The "fat valley" (Hebrew: _shemen_ for "fat," _gayʼ_ for "valley") denotes its exceptionally fertile and prosperous surroundings, which were the source of its wealth and false sense of security. This outward splendor, however, is immediately contrasted with its inevitable destiny: to become a "fading flower," an image of rapid decay, loss of vitality, and ultimate impermanence.
* **"and as the hasty fruit before the summer":** This second simile further intensifies the depiction of Samaria's transient and vulnerable nature. "Hasty fruit" (Hebrew: _bikkûwr_) specifically refers to the early fig, which ripens quickly, often before the main summer harvest. While highly prized for its early appearance and sweetness, it is also known for its rapid perishability and often less substantial nature compared to later fruits. This imagery reinforces the idea of something desirable but inherently short-lived and susceptible to swift disappearance.
* **"which when he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up."** This final clause vividly illustrates the extreme swiftness and totality of the destruction. The "hasty fruit" is so eagerly desired and so quickly consumed that it is devoured almost immediately upon being seen and taken into hand, leaving no opportunity for delay or preservation. This portrays the invading Assyrian army as the "he that looketh upon it," who will seize Samaria and utterly consume its wealth, power, and inhabitants with overwhelming speed and ease, leaving nothing behind.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 28:4 is exceptionally rich in **Imagery** and **Simile**, creating a profoundly impactful and memorable prophecy of judgment. The prophet employs vivid sensory details to paint a stark picture of Samaria's initial desirability and its subsequent, swift demise. The city, with its "glorious beauty" and prominent position "on the head of the fat valley," is initially presented as a highly desirable entity, evoking a sense of prosperity and pride. This beauty is then directly compared to a "fading flower," a **Simile** that immediately introduces the theme of transience, decay, and loss of vitality. The flower, once vibrant and full of life, quickly loses its splendor and withers. A second, equally potent **Simile** compares Samaria's glory to "the hasty fruit before the summer," specifically an early fig. This fruit, while eagerly anticipated and quickly consumed, is also inherently ephemeral, underscoring the fleeting nature of Samaria's perceived strength. The final phrase, "while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up," uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme swiftness and totality of the consumption, suggesting an almost instantaneous and complete destruction. The entire verse functions as an extended **Metaphor** where Samaria's outward prosperity, pride, and false security are represented by these beautiful but ultimately perishable natural elements, highlighting the profound fragility of human achievement and security when separated from God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 28:4 stands as a profound theological declaration concerning the nature of divine judgment and the inherent impermanence of all earthly glory not rooted in God. It powerfully underscores the biblical principle that pride, self-reliance, and moral corruption, even amidst outward prosperity, inevitably lead to downfall. Samaria's "glorious beauty" was a deceptive facade, a temporary display that concealed deep spiritual apostasy and a blatant rejection of God's covenant. The swiftness and completeness of its destruction highlight God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering justice, demonstrating that no human power, wealth, or strategic advantage can ultimately withstand His determined will when sin persists. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that true and lasting security, beauty, and prosperity are not found in material possessions or worldly status, but in a humble and steadfast relationship with the Lord, who alone is eternal and unchanging.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Psalm 103:15-16](/psalm/103-15-16 "The Transience of Human Life")
* [James 1:10-11](/james/1-10-11 "The Rich Man Fades Like a Flower")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 28:4 offers a timeless and sobering warning against placing our ultimate confidence in fleeting worldly possessions, transient status, or ephemeral power. It compels us to critically examine the foundations of our own security and to recognize that spiritual pride and moral compromise, whether in individuals, communities, or nations, inevitably lead to decline and judgment. The stark imagery of the fading flower and the swiftly consumed hasty fruit urges us to confront the ephemeral nature of all that is earthly and to reorient our priorities towards what is eternal and truly enduring. Instead of striving for outward appearances or accumulating material prosperity that can be "eaten up" in an instant by unforeseen circumstances or divine decree, believers are called to build their lives on the unchanging truth of God's Word and to seek lasting spiritual riches that are not subject to decay, moth, rust, or swift consumption. This verse powerfully underscores God's unfailing justice and His ultimate sovereignty, reminding us that true wisdom involves profound humility before God and an unwavering reliance on His enduring grace and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "glorious beauty" or sources of worldly confidence might I be holding onto that are ultimately fading flowers or hasty fruit in my life?**
* **How does the swiftness and totality of judgment depicted in this verse challenge my sense of security or complacency in areas where I may be relying on temporary things?**
* **In what practical ways can I shift my focus from transient earthly pursuits to building a lasting foundation on God's enduring truth and seeking spiritual riches that will not fade?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "fat valley" in Isaiah 28:4?**

Answer: The "fat valley" (Hebrew: _gei shmanim_, literally "valley of fatness") refers to the exceptionally fertile and prosperous surroundings of Samaria, the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It serves as a powerful symbol of the city's immense wealth, agricultural abundance, and the luxurious, indulgent lifestyle of its inhabitants and leaders. Ironically, this very prosperity, which fostered pride and a false sense of security, had led to deep spiritual pride and moral decay, making it a prime target for God's righteous judgment. The phrase underscores the contrast between Samaria's outward opulence and its inward corruption, highlighting that what was a source of pride and perceived strength would become the very object of swift and complete destruction, much like the "glorious beauty" mentioned in [Isaiah 28:1](/isaiah/28-1 "Isaiah 28:1 - Woe to the Crown of Pride").

**Why is Samaria compared to a "fading flower" and "hasty fruit"?**

Answer: These two vivid similes are employed to emphasize the profound transience, fragility, and vulnerability of Samaria's glory, power, and perceived security. A "fading flower" (Hebrew: _tsiytsâh nâbêl_) powerfully portrays rapid decay, loss of vitality, and ultimate impermanence, indicating that Samaria's beauty and strength were not enduring but destined to wither quickly. The "hasty fruit" (Hebrew: _bikkûwr_), typically referring to an early fig, was highly prized for its early ripeness but also known for its rapid perishability and swift consumption once picked. This imagery conveys that Samaria's perceived desirability and strength would be quickly and completely devoured by its enemies, specifically the invading Assyrian forces, leaving no opportunity for it to last or be saved, as further elaborated in [Isaiah 28:2](/isaiah/28-2 "Isaiah 28:2 - The Mighty One Will Cast Down"). Both metaphors combine to underscore the sudden, irreversible, and total nature of the impending judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 28:4, with its stark portrayal of fading worldly glory and swift, decisive judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "glorious beauty" of Samaria was a fleeting, human-made construct, destined for inevitable decay and consumption, much like all earthly kingdoms, treasures, and human achievements apart from God. In stark contrast, Christ embodies an eternal and unfading glory, a beauty and majesty not subject to the ravages of time, the corruption of sin, or the judgment of God. He is the true and lasting "beauty" that never fades, the unshakable foundation upon which an eternal kingdom is built, as described in [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom"). While the "hasty fruit" of Samaria was quickly "eaten up" by an earthly conqueror, symbolizing destruction, Christ's sacrificial death on the cross was a once-for-all act that utterly conquered sin and death, offering eternal life that cannot be consumed, destroyed, or taken away. He invites His followers to lay up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal, contrasting sharply with the perishable nature of earthly wealth and glory ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). The judgment pronounced on Samaria foreshadows the final, universal judgment, but for those who are "in Christ," the swift consumption of earthly glory gives way to an eternal inheritance in the New Heavens and New Earth, where God Himself dwells with His people, and there will be no more sorrow, pain, or death ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Christ is the enduring reality, the eternal King whose glory never fades, offering a security, hope, and beauty that transcend all transient earthly power and splendor.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nahum 3:12

All thy strong holds [shall be like] fig trees with the firstripe figs: if they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater.

Micah 7:1

¶ Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: [there is] no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit.

Isaiah 28:1

¶ Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty [is] a fading flower, which [are] on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!

Hosea 6:4

¶ O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness [is] as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.

Hosea 13:1

¶ When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.

Psalms 73:19

How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

Psalms 73:20

As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.