Jeremiah 49:4

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

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?

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?'

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?’

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

Commentary

Jeremiah 49:4 delivers a powerful prophetic rebuke to the nation of Ammon, specifically highlighting its misplaced pride and false sense of security. The verse challenges their boasting in perceived strengths—both geographical and material—and exposes their spiritual rebellion, warning of impending divine judgment.

Context

This verse is part of Jeremiah's extensive prophecies against foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51), demonstrating God's sovereignty over all peoples, not just Israel. Jeremiah 49 focuses on Ammon, a nation descended from Lot (Genesis 19:38), located east of the Jordan River. The "backsliding daughter" refers to the capital city of Ammon, Rabbah (modern Amman), or metaphorically, the Ammonite nation itself. The "valleys" likely refer to the fertile, well-watered regions around Rabbah, which provided natural defenses and agricultural abundance, contributing to their sense of invulnerability. Ammon had historically been hostile to Israel and had often relied on its own strength and wealth rather than acknowledging God's power.

Key Themes

  • Pride and False Security: The core issue condemned here is Ammon's arrogant boasting ("Wherefore gloriest thou?") in its natural defenses and accumulated "treasures." They believed their geographical advantages and material wealth made them invincible, confidently asking, "Who shall come unto me?" This illustrates a classic human tendency to place trust in worldly resources rather than divine provision.
  • Spiritual Apostasy: Described as a "backsliding daughter," Ammon had 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.
  • Divine Judgment: The rhetorical question posed by Ammon is immediately answered by the rest of Jeremiah 49, which details the devastating judgment God will bring upon them. This underscores the futility of their self-reliance and the certainty of God's justice against unrepentant pride.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word "gloriest" comes from the Hebrew root halal (הָלַל), which means to boast, praise, or shine. In this context, it carries a negative connotation of arrogant self-congratulation and misplaced pride.
  • "Flowing valley" (Hebrew: emeq shotef) suggests a valley that is rich, fertile, and abundant, perhaps implying a source of great wealth or a naturally strong defensive position, contributing to their sense of security.
  • "Backsliding daughter" uses the Hebrew term shovevah (שׁוֹבֵבָה), which signifies a turning away, a rebellious spirit, or one who has gone astray from a right path, emphasizing Ammon's spiritual rebellion.

Related Scriptures

The theme of pride leading to destruction is a recurring one in scripture; Proverbs 16:18 famously declares that "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." The danger of trusting in one's riches instead of God is also warned against in Proverbs 11:28, "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall." Similarly, the Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:16-21 illustrates the ultimate folly of placing security in material possessions and earthly achievements, echoing Ammon's fatal confidence.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 49:4 serves as a timeless warning for individuals and nations alike:

  • Guard Against Materialism and Self-Reliance: It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies. Do we depend on our wealth, achievements, social status, or natural advantages, or do we place our security in God? True and lasting security comes only from Him.
  • Beware of Spiritual Complacency: The "backsliding daughter" reminds us of the constant need for spiritual vigilance. It is easy to drift away from God, becoming complacent and relying on past blessings or human strength rather than maintaining an ongoing, humble dependence on the Lord.
  • Cultivate Humility: This verse calls for humility, acknowledging that all blessings are from God and that genuine peace and stability are found in His presence alone, not in worldly treasures or human ingenuity.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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