This is what the LORD of Hosts says: In this desolate place, without man or beast, and in all its cities, there will once more be pastures for shepherds to rest their flocks. This is what the LORD of Hosts saysThe phrase "LORD of Hosts" is a powerful title for God, emphasizing His supreme authority over all heavenly and earthly armies. The Hebrew term "Yahweh Sabaoth" conveys God's omnipotence and His role as a divine warrior. This introduction underscores the certainty and divine authority of the prophecy that follows, assuring the listener that the message is not merely human optimism but a divine promise. In this place
The phrase "this place" refers to the land of Judah and Jerusalem, which had been devastated by the Babylonian conquest. Historically, this was a time of great despair for the Israelites, as their homeland lay in ruins. The specificity of "this place" highlights God's intimate knowledge and concern for the very land that His people inhabit, promising restoration to a specific, tangible location. which is desolate
The word "desolate" in Hebrew is "shamem," meaning laid waste or devastated. This term captures the utter destruction and abandonment experienced by the land. The desolation is both physical and spiritual, reflecting the consequences of Israel's disobedience. Yet, it sets the stage for a miraculous transformation, emphasizing the power of God to bring life from barrenness. without man or beast
This phrase paints a picture of complete emptiness, where life once thrived. The absence of "man or beast" signifies total desolation, a land devoid of its inhabitants and their livestock. This imagery serves to heighten the impact of the promised restoration, as it contrasts the current state with the future flourishing that God will bring about. in all its cities
The mention of "all its cities" indicates the widespread nature of the devastation, affecting not just rural areas but urban centers as well. Historically, cities were centers of culture, commerce, and community life. The promise of restoration to "all its cities" suggests a comprehensive renewal, affecting every aspect of society and restoring the social and economic fabric of the nation. there will once more be a pasture
The phrase "once more be a pasture" signifies a return to normalcy and prosperity. In ancient Israel, pastures were vital for sustaining livestock, which were essential for the economy and daily life. The Hebrew word "naveh" implies a dwelling place or habitation, suggesting not just survival but thriving. This promise of renewal is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to restore what was lost. for shepherds to rest their flocks
The image of "shepherds to rest their flocks" evokes peace, security, and provision. Shepherds were responsible for the care and protection of their sheep, and the ability to rest signifies a time of safety and abundance. Biblically, shepherds often symbolize leaders or caretakers, and this imagery may also point to the restoration of righteous leadership in Israel. The pastoral scene reflects God's tender care for His people, promising a future where they can dwell securely under His watchful eye. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD of HostsThis title emphasizes God's sovereignty and power over all heavenly and earthly armies. It underscores His authority to bring about restoration. 2. JeremiahThe prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah, often focusing on themes of judgment and restoration. 3. Desolate PlaceRefers to the land of Judah, which had become barren and uninhabited due to the Babylonian exile and destruction. 4. ShepherdsSymbolic of leaders or caretakers who will once again have a role in the restored community, tending to the needs of the people. 5. FlocksRepresents the people of Judah who will be gathered and cared for in the restored land. Teaching Points God's Promise of RestorationDespite current desolation, God promises a future of hope and renewal. Trust in His ability to restore what seems lost. The Role of LeadershipJust as shepherds are essential for guiding and caring for flocks, godly leadership is crucial in communities. Pray for and support leaders who align with God's heart. Hope in DesolationEven in the most barren times of life, God can bring about new beginnings. Look for His hand at work in seemingly hopeless situations. God's FaithfulnessGod's promises are reliable. Reflect on past instances of His faithfulness as assurance for future restoration. Community and CareThe imagery of flocks and shepherds emphasizes the importance of community and mutual care. Engage actively in your faith community to support and be supported. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the title "LORD of Hosts" in Jeremiah 33:12 influence your understanding of God's power and authority in your life? 2. In what ways can you identify areas of "desolation" in your life or community that need God's restoration? 3. How can the imagery of shepherds and flocks in Jeremiah 33:12 inspire you to take on a leadership or supportive role in your community? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in a difficult situation. How does this encourage you to trust in His promises of restoration? 5. How can you actively contribute to the care and restoration of your faith community, drawing from the themes in Jeremiah 33:12 and related scriptures? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 23The imagery of shepherds and flocks connects to the theme of God as the Shepherd who provides and cares for His people. Ezekiel 34This chapter also speaks of God as the Shepherd who will gather His scattered sheep, promising restoration and care. John 10Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, drawing a parallel to the care and restoration promised in Jeremiah. Isaiah 40:11Describes God as a shepherd who gathers the lambs in His arms, highlighting His gentle care and restoration. People Babylonians, Benjamin, David, Ezekiel, Isaac, Jacob, Jeremiah, LevitesPlaces Jerusalem, Negeb, ShephelahTopics Animal, Animals, Armies, Beast, Causing, Cities, Desolate, Flock, Flocks, Habitation, Habitations, Hosts, Keepers, Lie, Pastures, Rest, Resting, Resting-place, Says, Sheep, Shepherds, Thereof, Thus, Towns, Waste, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 33:10-16 6730 reinstatement Library A Threefold Disease and a Twofold Cure.
'I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against Me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against Me.'--JER. xxxiii. 8. Jeremiah was a prisoner in the palace of the last King of Judah. The long, national tragedy had reached almost the last scene of the last act. The besiegers were drawing their net closer round the doomed city. The prophet had never faltered in predicting its fall, but he had as uniformly …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThings Unknown
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."--Jeremiah 33:3. GOD'S PEOPLE WILL NEVER THRIVE on anything less substantial than bread from heaven. Israel in Egypt might live on garlic and onions, but Israel in the wilderness must be fed with the manna that came down from heaven, and with the water that gushed out of the rock, when it was smitten by the rod of God. The child of God, while he is yet in his sins, may, like other men, revel in them, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 46: 1900 Discerning Prayer.
INTRODUCTORY. BY D.W. WHITTLE. To recognize God's existence is to necessitate prayer to Him, by all intelligent creatures, or, a consciously living in sin and under condemnation of conscience, because they do not pray to Him. It would be horrible to admit the existence of a Supreme Being, with power and wisdom to create, and believe that the creatures he thought of consequence and importance enough to bring into existence, are not of enough consequence for him to pay any attention to in the troubles …
Various—The Wonders of Prayer The Royal Priesthood
Gerhard Ter Steegen Jer. xxxiii. 18; Rev. i. 6 The race of God's anointed priests shall never pass away; Before His glorious Face they stand, and serve Him night and day. Though reason raves, and unbelief flows on, a mighty flood, There are, and shall be, till the end, the hidden priests of God. His chosen souls, their earthly dross consumed in sacred fire, To God's own heart their hearts ascend in flame of deep desire; The incense of their worship fills His Temple's holiest place; Their song with …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others The Best of the Best
"I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys."--Song of Solomon 2:1. THE time of flowers has come, and as they are in some faint degree emblems of our Lord, it is well, when God thus calls, that we should seek to learn what he desires to teach us by them. If nature now spreads out her roses and her lilies, or prepares to do so, let us try, not only to see them, but to see Christ as he is shadowed forth in them. "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys." If these are the words …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896 Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation, …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Putting God to Work
"For from of old men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen a God beside thee who worketh for him that waiteth for him."--Isaiah 64:4. The assertion voiced in the title given this chapter is but another way of declaring that God has of His own motion placed Himself under the law of prayer, and has obligated Himself to answer the prayers of men. He has ordained prayer as a means whereby He will do things through men as they pray, which He would not otherwise do. Prayer …
Edward M. Bounds—The Weapon of Prayer Be Ye Therefore Perfect, Even as Your Father which is in Heaven is Perfect. Matthew 5:48.
In the 43rd verse, the Savior says, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy; but I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you, that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward …
Charles G. Finney—Lectures to Professing Christians The Sermon of the Seasons
"Oh, the long and dreary Winter! Oh, the cold and cruel Winter!" We say to ourselves, Will spring-time never come? In addition to this, trade and commerce continue in a state of stagnation; crowds are out of employment, and where business is carried on, it yields little profit. Our watchmen are asked if they discern any signs of returning day, and they answer, "No." Thus we bow our heads in a common affliction, and ask each man comfort of his fellow; for as yet we see not our signs, neither does …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886 Twentieth Day for God's Spirit on the Heathen
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on the Heathen "Behold, these shall come from far; and these from the land of Sinim."--ISA. xlix. 12. "Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall haste to stretch out her hands to God."--PS. lxviii. 31. "I the Lord will hasten it in His time."--ISA. lx. 22. Pray for the heathen, who are yet without the word. Think of China, with her three hundred millions--a million a month dying without Christ. Think of Dark Africa, with its two hundred millions. Think …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Truth Hidden when not Sought After.
"They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."--2 Tim. iv. 4. From these words of the blessed Apostle, written shortly before he suffered martyrdom, we learn, that there is such a thing as religious truth, and therefore there is such a thing as religious error. We learn that religious truth is one--and therefore that all views of religion but one are wrong. And we learn, moreover, that so it was to be (for his words are a prophecy) that professed Christians, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Cleansing.
As there are conditions requiring to be complied with in order to the obtaining of salvation, before one can be justified, e. g., conviction of sin, repentance, faith; so there are conditions for full salvation, for being "filled with the Holy Ghost." Conviction of our need is one, conviction of the existence of the blessing is another; but these have been already dealt with. "Cleansing" is another; before one can be filled with the Holy Ghost, one's heart must be "cleansed." "Giving them the Holy …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life Curiosity a Temptation to Sin.
"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."--Proverbs iv. 14, 15. The chief cause of the wickedness which is every where seen in the world, and in which, alas! each of us has more or less his share, is our curiosity to have some fellowship with darkness, some experience of sin, to know what the pleasures of sin are like. I believe it is even thought unmanly by many persons (though they may not like to say …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 33:12 NIVJeremiah 33:12 NLTJeremiah 33:12 ESVJeremiah 33:12 NASBJeremiah 33:12 KJV
Jeremiah 33:12 Commentaries
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