Isaiah 28:4

Isaiah 28:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the dead flower of his glory, which is on the head of the fertile valley, will be like the first early fruit before the summer; which a man takes and puts in his mouth the minute he sees it.

Free Bible Version FBV

That fading flower of wonderful beauty, sitting above a fertile valley, will be like figs ripe before the summer harvest—as soon as people discover them, they grab and eat them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For his glorious beautie shall be a fading floure, which is vpon the head of the valley of them that be fatte, and as the hastie fruite afore sommer, which when hee that looketh vpon it, seeth it, while it is in his hand, he eateth it.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the fading flower of the beauty of his glory That [is] on the head of the fat valley, Hath been as its first-fruit before summer, That its beholder seeth, While it [is] yet in his hand he swalloweth it.

World English Bible WEB

The fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley, shall be like the first-ripe fig before the summer, which someone picks and eats as soon as he sees it.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the fading flower the glory of his joy, who is on the head of the fat valley, shall be as a hasty fruit before the ripeness of autumn: which when he that seeth it shall behold, as soon as he taketh it in his hand, he will eat it up.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yes, Samaria is beautiful, set on a hill above a fertile valley, but that beauty will disappear like [MET] a flower that wilts and dries up. Whenever someone sees a good fig at the beginning of the season when figs become ripe, he quickly picks and eats it; similarly, when the enemies of Israel see all the beautiful things in Samaria, they will quickly conquer the city and take away all those things.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 28:4

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 28:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְֽ/הָ֨יְתָ֜ה צִיצַ֤ת נֹבֵל֙ צְבִ֣י תִפְאַרְתּ֔/וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַל רֹ֖אשׁ גֵּ֣יא שְׁמָנִ֑ים כְּ/בִכּוּרָהּ֙ בְּ/טֶ֣רֶם קַ֔יִץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִרְאֶ֤ה הָֽ/רֹאֶה֙ אוֹתָ֔/הּ בְּ/עוֹדָ֥/הּ בְּ/כַפּ֖/וֹ יִבְלָעֶֽ/נָּה

וְֽ/הָ֨יְתָ֜ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3fs

צִיצַ֤ת tsîytsâh H6733 flower N-fs

נֹבֵל֙ nâbêl H5034 be senseless V-Qal

צְבִ֣י tsᵉbîy H6643 beauty N-ms

תִפְאַרְתּ֔/וֹ tiphʼârâh H8597 beauty N-fs | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

רֹ֖אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms

גֵּ֣יא gayʼ H1516 Valley N-cs

שְׁמָנִ֑ים shemen H8081 oil N-mp

כְּ/בִכּוּרָהּ֙ bikkûwr H1061 firstfruit Prep | N-cs

בְּ/טֶ֣רֶם ṭerem H2962 before Prep | Adv

קַ֔יִץ qayits H7019 summer N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יִרְאֶ֤ה râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

הָֽ/רֹאֶה֙ râʼâh H7200 Provider Art | V-Qal

אוֹתָ֔/הּ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

בְּ/עוֹדָ֥/הּ ʻôwd H5750 still Prep | Adv | Suff

בְּ/כַפּ֖/וֹ kaph H3709 palm Prep | N-fs | Suff

יִבְלָעֶֽ/נָּה bâlaʻ H1104 to swallow up V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 28:4

וְֽ/הָ֨יְתָ֜ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

צִיצַ֤ת tsîytsâh H6733 "flower" N-fs

This word simply means a flower or blossom, often used to describe the beauty of nature in the Bible. It is another spelling of the word tsits, which also means flower.

Definition: blossom, flower Another spelling of tsits (צִיץ "flower" H6731A)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: flower. See also: Isaiah 28:4.

נֹבֵל֙ nâbêl H5034 "be senseless" V-Qal

To wither means to lose strength or fade away, and can also describe someone acting foolishly or wickedly. It is used to convey a sense of decline or failure.

Definition: 1) to be senseless, be foolish 1a) (Qal) to be foolish 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to regard or treat as foolish 1b2) to treat with contempt

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: disgrace, dishounour, lightly esteem, fade (away, -ing), fall (down, -ling, off), do foolishly, come to nought, [idiom] surely, make vile, wither. See also: Exodus 18:18; Isaiah 28:1; Psalms 1:3.

צְבִ֣י tsᵉbîy H6643 "beauty" N-ms

A gazelle is a beautiful animal, known for its splendor and speed, described in the Bible as a symbol of beauty and glory. The word also means something or someone that is pleasant and lovely to look at.

Definition: 1) beauty, glory, honour 1a) beauty, decoration 1b) honour

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: beautiful(-ty), glorious (-ry), goodly, pleasant, roe(-buck). See also: Deuteronomy 12:15; Isaiah 13:19; Proverbs 6:5.

תִפְאַרְתּ֔/וֹ tiphʼârâh H8597 "beauty" N-fs | Suff

This Hebrew word describes something beautiful or glorious, like a lovely garment or a person's honor. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's glory, as well as the beauty of creation and human achievements, as seen in Psalm and Isaiah.

Definition: 1) beauty, splendour, glory 1a) beauty, finery (of garments, jewels) 1b) glory 1b1) of rank, renown 1b2) as attribute of God 1c) honour (or nation Israel) 1d) glorying, boasting (of individual)

Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: beauty(-iful), bravery, comely, fair, glory(-ious), honour, majesty. See also: Exodus 28:2; Isaiah 28:4; Psalms 71:8.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

רֹ֖אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

גֵּ֣יא gayʼ H1516 "Valley" N-cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a deep, narrow valley or gorge. It is also another name for Topheth, a place of child sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom. The word describes a steep and dramatic landscape.

Definition: valley, a steep valley, narrow gorge Another name of to.phet (תֹּ֫פֶת "Topheth" H8612)

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: valley. See also: Numbers 21:20; Nehemiah 11:30; Psalms 23:4.

שְׁמָנִ֑ים shemen H8081 "oil" N-mp

The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.

Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)

Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.

כְּ/בִכּוּרָהּ֙ bikkûwr H1061 "firstfruit" Prep | N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to the first fruits of a harvest, offered to God as a sign of gratitude and worship. It's an important concept in biblical festivals like Pentecost, celebrating the new crop. The KJV translates it as 'first fruit' or 'hasty fruit'.

Definition: 1) first-fruits 1a) the first of the crops and fruit that ripened, was gathered, and offered to God according to the ritual of Pentecost 1b) the bread made of the new grain offered at Pentecost 1c) the day of the first-fruits (Pentecost)

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: first fruit (-ripe (figuratively)), hasty fruit. See also: Exodus 23:16; Numbers 18:13; Isaiah 28:4.

בְּ/טֶ֣רֶם ṭerem H2962 "before" Prep | Adv

This word indicates something has not happened yet, or it happened before something else. It is used to show timing or sequence of events, translated as before, ere, or not yet in the KJV.

Definition: before, not yet, before that

Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: before, ere, not yet. See also: Genesis 2:5; 2 Kings 6:32; Psalms 5:6.

קַ֔יִץ qayits H7019 "summer" N-ms

The Hebrew word for summer refers to the harvest season or the fruit of that season, and is also used to describe the dry summer months, as seen in its Aramaic equivalent.

Definition: 1) summer, summer-fruit 1a) summer 1b) summer-fruit Aramaic equivalent: qa.yit (קַ֫יִט "summer" H7007)

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: summer (fruit, house). See also: Genesis 8:22; Isaiah 28:4; Psalms 32:4.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

יִרְאֶ֤ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

הָֽ/רֹאֶה֙ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Art | V-Qal

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

אוֹתָ֔/הּ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

בְּ/עוֹדָ֥/הּ ʻôwd H5750 "still" Prep | Adv | Suff

The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.

Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)

Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.

בְּ/כַפּ֖/וֹ kaph H3709 "palm" Prep | N-fs | Suff

In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.

Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)

Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.

יִבְלָעֶֽ/נָּה bâlaʻ H1104 "to swallow up" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff

This word means to swallow or destroy something completely. It can be used to describe something being eaten up or destroyed, like in a natural disaster or a strong storm. The Bible uses it to convey total destruction.

Definition: 1) to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swallow down 1a2) to swallow up, engulf 1b) (Niphal) to be swallowed up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to swallow 1c2) to swallow up, engulf 1c3) squandering (fig.) 1d) (Pual) to be swallowed up 1e) (Hithpael) to be ended

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: cover, destroy, devour, eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up). See also: Genesis 41:7; Psalms 106:17; Psalms 21:10.

Study Notes — Isaiah 28:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 28:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 28:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 28:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 28:4
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 28:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 28:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 28:4
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 28:4
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 28:4
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 28:4
Sermons on Isaiah 28:4

Context — The Captivity of Ephraim

2Behold, the Lord has one who is strong and mighty. Like a hailstorm or destructive tempest, like a driving rain or flooding downpour, he will smash that crown to the ground. 3The majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards will be trampled underfoot.

4The 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.

5On that day the LORD of Hosts will be a crown of glory, a diadem of splendor to the remnant of His people, 6a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Nahum 3:12	All your fortresses are fig trees with the first ripe figs; when shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater!
2	Micah 7:1	Woe is me! For I am like one gathering summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster to eat, no early fig that I crave.
3	Isaiah 28:1	Woe to the majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower of his glorious splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, the pride of those overcome by wine.
4	Hosea 6:4	What shall I do with you, O Ephraim ? What shall I do with you, O Judah? For your loyalty is like a morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes.
5	Hosea 9:16	Ephraim is struck down; their root is withered; they cannot bear fruit. Even if they bear children, I will slay the darlings of their wombs.
6	Psalms 73:19–20	How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
7	James 1:10–11	But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
8	Hosea 13:1	When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel. But he incurred guilt through Baal, and he died.
9	Hosea 13:15	Although he flourishes among his brothers, an east wind will come— a wind from the LORD rising up from the desert. His fountain will fail, and his spring will run dry. The wind will plunder his treasury of every precious article.
10	Revelation 6:13	and the stars of the sky fell to the earth like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind.

Isaiah 28:4 Summary

[Isaiah 28:4 is a reminder that human glory and beauty are fleeting and temporary, like a fading flower. This verse teaches us that true beauty and glory come from God, and that we should not trust in our own strength or prosperity, but rather in Him, as stated in Psalms 20:7. The image of the ripe fig before the summer harvest illustrates the swift and effortless nature of God's judgment, and encourages us to be like a tree planted by streams of water, as in Psalms 1:3, that we may bear fruit and prosper.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fading flower of his beautiful splendor in Isaiah 28:4?

The fading flower refers to the fleeting and temporary nature of human glory and beauty, as seen in the context of Ephraim's drunkards in Isaiah 28:3, and is a reminder that true beauty and glory come from God, as stated in Psalms 96:6.

Why is the fading flower compared to a ripe fig before the summer harvest?

The comparison to a ripe fig emphasizes the ease with which the fading flower will be plucked and consumed, much like a ripe fig is easily picked and eaten, illustrating the swift and effortless nature of God's judgment, as also seen in Matthew 24:32-33.

What is the significance of the summit above the fertile valley in Isaiah 28:4?

The summit above the fertile valley likely represents a place of prominence and prosperity, but also a place of vulnerability, as it is exposed and easily accessible, much like the city on a hill in Matthew 5:14, which cannot be hidden.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

Isaiah 28:4 is part of a larger passage that describes God's judgment on Ephraim's drunkards and the majestic crown, but also looks forward to the day when the Lord of Hosts will be a crown of glory to the remnant of His people, as stated in Isaiah 28:5, highlighting the contrast between human glory and God's glory.

Reflection Questions

What are the things in my life that I consider to be my 'beautiful splendor', and how might they be fleeting or temporary?
In what ways can I be like a ripe fig, ready to be plucked and consumed by God's judgment or blessing?
How can I ensure that my glory and beauty come from God, rather than from human sources?
What are the 'fertile valleys' in my life where I may be tempted to trust in my own strength or prosperity, rather than in God?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 28:4

And the glorious beauty which is on the head of the fat valley,.... Meaning the riches and fruitfulness of the ten tribes, and especially of Samaria the head of them: shall be a fading flower; as

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 28:4

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 28:4

As the hasty fruit; which coming before the season, and before other fruits, is most acceptable; which as soon as a man sees he covets it, and plucks it off, yet doth not long enjoy it, but through greediness devours it almost as soon as he can get it into his hand. And so shall it be with Ephraim’ s glory, which his enemies, as soon as they observe, shall covet and spoil, and devour it greedily, and with delight.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 28:4

Isaiah 28:4 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.Ver. 4. As the hasty fruit.] Quasi primae et praematurae ficus, early maturing fruits much coveted and caught at.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 28:4

(4) And the glorious beauty . . .—Better, And the fading flower of his glorious beauty . . . shall be us the early fig before the fruit-gathering. The “early fig,” as a special delicacy (Hosea 9:10; Micah 7:1), becomes a type of the beauty and pride of Samaria, doomed to inevitable destruction. (Comp. Nahum 3:12.) Such a fig the passer-by seizes, and eagerly devours. So, the prophet says, with a Dante-like homeliness of comparison, should the Assyrian king treat Samaria.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 28:4

Verse 4. The hasty fruit before the summer - "The early fruit before the summer"] "No sooner doth the boccore, (the early fig,) draw near to perfection in the middle or latter end of June, than the kermez or summer fig begins to be formed, though it rarely ripens before August; about which time the same tree frequently throws out a third crop, or the winter fig, as we may call it. This is usually of a much longer shape and darker complexion than the kermez, hanging and ripening upon the tree even after the leaves are shed; and, provided the winter proves mild and temperate, is gathered as a delicious morsel in the spring;" Shaw, Travels, p. 370, fol. The image was very obvious to the inhabitants of Judea and the neighbouring countries, and is frequently applied by the prophets to express a desirable object; by none more elegantly than by Hosea, Hosea 9:10: - "Like grapes in the wilderness I found Israel; Like the first ripe fig in her prime, I saw your fathers." Which when he that looketh upon it seeth - "Which whoso seeth, he plucketh it immediately"] For יראה yireh, which with הראה haroeh makes a miserable tautology, read, by a transposition of a letter, יארה yoreh; a happy conjecture of Houbigant. The image expresses in the strongest manner the great ease with which the Assyrians shall take the city and the whole kingdom, and the avidity with which they shall seize the rich prey without resistance.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 28:4

4. Render: And the fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley (Isaiah 28:1), shall be like the early fig before the fruit-harvest, &c. These “early figs,” which might be found in the end of June, several weeks before the proper fig-season (in August), were esteemed a great delicacy; Hosea 9:10; Micah 7:1; Nahum 3:12; Jeremiah 24:2. which when he … seeth] Render: which when any one seeth (lit. “(the seer) seeth”; indef. subj., Davidson, Synt. § 108, R. 1). To see, to snatch, to swallow, is the work of a moment. So greedily and hastily and easily shall the Assyrians devour Samaria!

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 28:4

As the hasty fruit before the summer - The word rendered ‘hasty fruit’ (בכוּרה bikûrâh); in Arabic, bokkore; in Spanish, albacore), denotes the “early fig.” this ripens in June; the common fig does not ripen until August.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 28:4

3, 4. Trodden under feet — Thrust violently down so as to be trodden under the feet of the invader, (the Assyrian army under Shalmanezer in this case,) in the sixth year of the reign of Hezekiah, king of Judah.

Sermons on Isaiah 28:4

	Sermon	Description
	The Falling Rain and the Budding Earth by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches on the powerful analogy between the rain and snow from heaven and the word of God, emphasizing that just as the rain and snow water the earth and make it brin
	Where Do We Go to Eat? by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson delivers a poignant message from Micah 7, addressing the spiritual famine affecting both ancient Israel and the modern church. He highlights the desperate cry of be
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 28:16 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the dream of Nebuchadnezzar as recorded in the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream about a great image with different materials
	The Conviction We Need by Robert Wurtz II	In this sermon, the preacher, Brother Finney, speaks for two hours on the subject of God's love. The congregation becomes intensely interested, with many people rising to their fee
	Drinking - What John R. Rice Wrote About It by John R. Rice	John R. Rice preaches about the curses of alcoholism, emphasizing the woes pronounced on the crown of pride and the drunkards of Ephraim in the Bible. He highlights the detrimental
	Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding Isaiah's prophecies in the context of the surrounding nations that influenced Israel's history. He explains how Judah and
	Wine for Gospel wantons... by Thomas Shepard	Thomas Shepard preaches on the consequences of spiritual drunkenness as described in Jeremiah 13:12-15, where God fills the inhabitants of the land with a spirit of drunkenness, le