Jeremiah 49:4

KJV

Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, [saying], Who shall come unto me?

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore gloriest {H1984} thou in the valleys {H6010}, thy flowing {H2100} valley {H6010}, O backsliding {H7728} daughter {H1323}? that trusted {H982} in her treasures {H214}, saying, Who shall come {H935} unto me?

Complete Jewish Bible

Why do you take such pride in the valleys, your well-watered valleys, rebellious daughter? You trusted in your riches and thought, 'Who can attack me?'

Berean Standard Bible

Why do you boast of your valleys— your valleys so fruitful, O faithless daughter? You trust in your riches and say, ‘Who can come against me?’

American Standard Version

Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:4 delivers a poignant prophetic indictment against the nation of Ammon, exposing their profound spiritual rebellion and misplaced confidence. The verse highlights their arrogant boasting in perceived strengths—both the natural defenses of their fertile valleys and the security derived from their material wealth—while simultaneously revealing their spiritual "backsliding." This declaration serves as a powerful preamble to the divine judgment that will inevitably dismantle their self-assured pride.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49:4 is embedded within a significant section of Jeremiah's prophecy dedicated to oracles against foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51). This larger literary unit serves to underscore Yahweh's universal sovereignty, demonstrating that His authority extends beyond Israel to encompass all peoples and kingdoms. Specifically, [Jeremiah 49](/jeremiah/49 "Jeremiah 49 - Prophecy Against Ammon") focuses on Ammon, following prophecies against Egypt and Philistia, and preceding those against Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. The structure of these oracles typically moves from an identification of the nation to a description of their sin (often pride or hostility towards God's people), followed by a declaration of impending judgment. Verse 4 sets the stage for Ammon's particular judgment by articulating the very pride and false security that will be shattered.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ammonites were a Semitic people, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter ([Genesis 19:38](/genesis/19-38 "Genesis 19:38 - Origin of Ammon")). Their territory lay east of the Jordan River, with their capital city, Rabbah (modern Amman), strategically situated in a fertile and well-watered region characterized by deep, defensible valleys. These "valleys" (likely referring to the Arnon and Jabbok river valleys, or the fertile plains around Rabbah) provided both agricultural abundance and natural fortifications, fostering a sense of invulnerability among the Ammonites. Historically, Ammon was often hostile to Israel, frequently engaging in border skirmishes and alliances against God's people. Their culture, like many surrounding nations, was polytheistic, with their chief deity being Molech (or Milcom), to whom child sacrifices were sometimes offered ([1 Kings 11:7](/1_kings/11-7 "1 Kings 11:7 - Solomon's Idolatry")). Their trust in their geographical advantages and accumulated "treasures" reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice of nationalistic pride rooted in material and military strength, rather than divine reliance.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Jeremiah 49:4](/jeremiah/49-4 "Jeremiah 49:4 - Ammon's Pride and False Security") is **Pride and False Security**. Ammon's arrogant boasting ("Wherefore gloriest thou?") in its natural defenses and material wealth ("treasures") illustrates a profound human tendency to place ultimate trust in worldly resources rather than divine provision. This self-reliance leads to a dangerous sense of invincibility, as evidenced by their rhetorical question, "Who shall come unto me?" Another crucial theme is **Spiritual Apostasy**. Described as a "backsliding daughter," Ammon is depicted as having continually turned away from righteousness and spiritual truth, engaging in idolatry and hostility towards God's people. This phrase highlights their spiritual departure and rebellion against any divine standard, emphasizing their moral culpability. Finally, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of **Divine Judgment**. The rhetorical question posed by Ammon is answered by the subsequent verses in [Jeremiah 49](/jeremiah/49 "Jeremiah 49 - Prophecy Against Ammon"), which detail the devastating judgment God will bring upon them, underscoring the futility of their self-reliance and the certainty of God's justice against unrepentant pride and rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gloriest (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From the primitive root H1984, meaning "to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify." In this context, _hâlal_ carries a strong negative connotation, signifying arrogant self-congratulation, boasting, and misplaced pride that borders on foolishness. It highlights a clamorous, empty display of confidence.
* **Flowing (Hebrew, _zûwb'_):** From the primitive root H2100, meaning "to flow freely (as water), i.e. (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow." Here, in conjunction with "valley," _zûwb_ describes a valley that is rich, fertile, and abundant, perhaps suggesting a place of great agricultural wealth or a naturally strong defensive position due to its lushness and water sources. This abundance contributes to Ammon's false sense of security.
* **Backsliding (Hebrew, _shôwbêb'_):** From H7728, meaning "apostate, i.e. heathenish or (actually) heathen; backsliding." This term powerfully characterizes Ammon's spiritual state. It describes a turning away, a rebellious spirit, or one who has gone astray from a right path. It emphasizes their deliberate departure from any form of covenant faithfulness or moral rectitude, highlighting their spiritual rebellion and idolatry.
* **Treasures (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** From H214, meaning "a depository; armory, cellar, garner, store(-house), treasure(-house) (-y)." This word refers to stored wealth, valuable possessions, or accumulated resources. Ammon's trust in these material assets, rather than in God, is a core element of their pride and is directly linked to their downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter?"**: This opening clause is a rhetorical question that immediately challenges Ammon's misplaced pride. The prophet, speaking for God, confronts their boasting in their geographical advantages—the fertile, well-watered "valleys" that provided both sustenance and natural defense. The repetition "thy flowing valley" emphasizes the abundance and perceived security of their land. The address "O backsliding daughter" is a sharp indictment, personifying the nation (or its capital, Rabbah) as one who has turned away from truth and righteousness, highlighting their spiritual rebellion and moral culpability.
* **"that trusted in her treasures,"**: This phrase identifies another source of Ammon's false confidence: their accumulated wealth and material possessions. They placed their security not in divine protection or justice, but in their own economic prosperity and stored riches. This trust in "treasures" signifies a materialistic worldview that blinds them to their spiritual vulnerability and impending judgment.
* **"[saying], Who shall come unto me?"**: This final rhetorical question encapsulates Ammon's arrogant self-assurance. It expresses their belief in their own invincibility, convinced that their natural defenses and material wealth would deter any enemy or divine judgment. This defiant challenge, however, will be decisively answered by God's impending judgment, demonstrating the ultimate futility of their self-reliance.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:4 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine rebuke. The verse begins with a **Rhetorical Question** ("Wherefore gloriest thou...?") which is not seeking information but rather delivering a sharp accusation and condemnation of Ammon's pride. This question immediately engages the reader and highlights the absurdity of their boasting. The nation of Ammon is powerfully depicted through **Personification**, addressed directly as "O backsliding daughter." This gives the nation human qualities, emphasizing its moral agency and spiritual rebellion as a child who has strayed from a parent. The phrase "flowing valley" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the fertile, abundant land stands in for the prosperity and security that Ammon boasts in. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** in Ammon's question, "Who shall come unto me?" The very question meant to express their invulnerability ironically foreshadows the certain and devastating arrival of judgment, revealing the tragic delusion of their self-confidence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:4 offers profound theological insights into the nature of pride, false security, and divine sovereignty. It underscores a timeless biblical truth: placing ultimate trust in worldly assets—whether geographical advantages, material wealth, or human ingenuity—is a form of idolatry that inevitably leads to spiritual "backsliding" and ultimately, destruction. God's challenge to Ammon's boasting serves as a powerful reminder that true security and lasting prosperity are found only in Him, not in fleeting earthly treasures. The verse implicitly asserts God's absolute dominion over all nations, demonstrating that no human strength or accumulated wealth can withstand His righteous judgment when a people persist in rebellion and self-exaltation. This divine prerogative to judge even the most seemingly secure nations highlights His justice and His call for humility and repentance from all humanity.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride before Destruction") warns, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trusting in Riches") states, "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but he that is righteous shall flourish as a branch."
* [Luke 12:16](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - Parable of the Rich Fool") powerfully illustrates the folly of placing security in material possessions and earthly achievements, echoing Ammon's fatal confidence.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:4 serves as a timeless mirror for both individuals and nations, prompting deep introspection on the true sources of our security and confidence. In a world that often glorifies self-reliance, material accumulation, and strategic advantage, this verse challenges us to critically examine where our ultimate trust lies. Do we, like Ammon, boast in our achievements, our financial portfolios, our physical defenses, or our perceived invulnerability? The "backsliding daughter" reminds us that spiritual complacency and a drift away from God's ways are insidious dangers, often masked by outward prosperity. True peace and stability are not found in the "flowing valleys" of our earthly successes or the "treasures" we hoard, but in a humble, ongoing dependence on the Lord. This passage calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, acknowledging that all blessings are from God and that genuine security is found only in His unwavering presence and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "valleys" or "treasures" in my life that I might be boasting in or relying on more than God?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be acting like a "backsliding daughter," subtly drifting away from spiritual truth and dependence on God?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on prideful nations like Ammon shape my understanding of divine justice and my call to humility?**
* **What practical steps can I take to shift my trust from worldly securities to a deeper, more consistent reliance on God?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "backsliding daughter" in this verse?**

Answer: The "backsliding daughter" (Hebrew: *shôwbêb bath*) refers to the nation of Ammon itself, or more specifically, its capital city, Rabbah (modern Amman). This is a common prophetic literary device where a nation or city is personified as a female figure, often a daughter, to emphasize its moral character or relationship with God. In this case, "backsliding" highlights Ammon's spiritual apostasy, their turning away from any form of righteousness or acknowledgment of God, and their persistent rebellion through idolatry and hostility towards God's people, Israel.

**What is the significance of "flowing valley" in the context of Ammon?**

Answer: The "flowing valley" (Hebrew: *ʻêmeq zûwb*) refers to the fertile, well-watered regions that characterized Ammon's territory, particularly around their capital, Rabbah. These valleys, such as the Jabbok River valley, were exceptionally rich agriculturally and provided natural, defensible terrain. The term "flowing" emphasizes the abundance and lushness of these areas, which contributed significantly to Ammon's prosperity and, consequently, their sense of security and self-reliance. They boasted in these natural advantages, believing their land made them invincible, rather than acknowledging God as the source of their blessings or their ultimate protector.

**What was the ultimate fate of Ammon as prophesied by Jeremiah?**

Answer: Following this verse, [Jeremiah 49](/jeremiah/49 "Jeremiah 49 - Prophecy Against Ammon") details the devastating judgment God would bring upon Ammon. The prophecy declares that Rabbah would become a desolate heap, its surrounding towns burned, and its people carried into captivity ([Jeremiah 49:2](/jeremiah/49-2 "Jeremiah 49:2-3 - Judgment on Rabbah")). Historically, Ammon faced repeated invasions from various empires, including the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar, which led to their significant decline. While they experienced periods of resurgence, their distinct national identity eventually faded, fulfilling the prophetic word that their pride and trust in their own strength would lead to their downfall.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 49:4, with its stark portrayal of Ammon's pride and misplaced trust in earthly "treasures" and "valleys," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Ammon's defiant question, "Who shall come unto me?", reveals a profound spiritual blindness to the true source of security and the inevitability of divine judgment. In contrast, Christ is the **ultimate refuge and the true treasure** in whom all genuine security resides. Unlike Ammon, who boasted in earthly riches, Jesus taught His disciples to lay up "treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt" ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")). He Himself, though rich, "for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Humility")).

Furthermore, Ammon's "backsliding" represents humanity's universal tendency to turn away from God and rely on self. Christ, however, is the one who perfectly fulfilled God's will, never "backsliding" but always obedient, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He is the one who comes *to* us, not as a conqueror to destroy our false securities, but as a Savior to offer true and lasting peace. His kingdom is not built on earthly "valleys" or material wealth, but on spiritual truth and righteousness. The judgment that fell upon Ammon for their pride foreshadows the ultimate judgment against all who reject God and trust in themselves, yet Christ offers a way of escape through faith in His atoning work ([John 3:16-18](/john/3-16 "John 3:16-18 - God's Love and Salvation")). Thus, where Ammon found destruction in its self-reliance, believers find eternal life and security in Christ, the one true "treasure" and the unshakable "rock" upon whom we can build our lives ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")).

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

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Jeremiah 21:13

Behold, I [am] against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, [and] rock of the plain, saith the LORD; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations?

Jeremiah 9:23

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

Psalms 62:10

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them].

Jeremiah 48:7

For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity [with] his priests and his princes together.

Jeremiah 3:14

Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

Psalms 52:7

Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.