Jeremiah 4:29
The whole city shall flee for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen; they shall go into thickets, and climb up upon the rocks: every city shall be forsaken, and not a man dwell therein.
Jeremiah 4:29 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you are referring to comes from the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament. In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah is describing a scene of devastation and destruction. The sound of horsemen and archers is so terrifying that the entire city flees in fear. The people seek refuge in the forests and mountains, abandoning their homes and cities. The verse is a powerful depiction of the chaos and panic that ensues in times of war and conflict. It serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God and the destruction that can result from disobedience. Through this verse, Jeremiah is highlighting the importance of faith and obedience, and the consequences that can come from straying from the path of righteousness. It is a vivid portrayal of the consequences of sin and serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's commandments.
Theological Overview
One possible theological interpretation of this verse is that it depicts a scene of overwhelming destruction and desolation brought about by the judgment of God. The imagery of the whole city fleeing at the sound of the horsemen and bowmen, seeking refuge in thickets and upon rocks, signifies the fear and chaos that will reign in the face of God's judgment. The abandonment of every city and the absence of any inhabitants emphasize the devastating consequences of turning away from God and rejecting His will. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remaining faithful to God's word.
Jeremiah 4:29 in other translations
American Standard Version
Every city fleeth for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen; they go into the thickets, and climb up upon the rocks: every city is forsaken, and not a man dwelleth therein.
World English Bible
Every city flees for the noise of the horsemen and archers; they go into the thickets, and climb up on the rocks: every city is forsaken, and not a man dwells therein.
Douay-Rheims
At the voice of the horsemen, and the archers, all the city is fled away: they have entered into thickets and climbed up the rocks: all the cities are forsaken, and there dwelleth not a man in them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The whole citie shall flee, for the noyse of the horsemen and bowemen: they shall goe into thickets, and clime vp vpon the rockes: euery citie shall be forsaken, and not a man dwell therein.