In the cities of the hill country, the foothills, and the Negev, in the land of Benjamin and the cities surrounding Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, the flocks will again pass under the hands of the one who counts them, says the LORD. In the cities of the hill countryThis phrase refers to the elevated regions of Judah, known for their rugged terrain and strategic importance. The "hill country" was a place of refuge and strength for the Israelites, often associated with the tribe of Judah. Historically, these areas were significant for their defense capabilities and agricultural potential. Spiritually, the hill country symbolizes a place of elevation and closeness to God, where His presence and protection are keenly felt. the cities of the foothills
The "foothills," or "Shephelah" in Hebrew, are the lowland regions that transition between the coastal plains and the hill country. These areas were fertile and known for agriculture, serving as a buffer zone in times of conflict. Theologically, the foothills represent the transitional spaces in our spiritual journey, where growth and cultivation occur, preparing us for higher spiritual elevations. and the cities of the Negev
The "Negev" is the arid southern region of Judah, characterized by its desert landscape. Despite its harsh conditions, it was a place of survival and resilience for the Israelites. The Negev symbolizes the dry and challenging seasons in life where faith is tested, yet God's provision and promises remain steadfast. in the land of Benjamin
The "land of Benjamin" refers to the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, located north of Judah. This area held significant historical and spiritual importance, being the birthplace of notable figures like King Saul and the Apostle Paul. The land of Benjamin represents the idea of heritage and legacy, reminding believers of their spiritual lineage and the faithfulness of God across generations. the places around Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heart of Israel, is surrounded by various towns and villages. These "places around Jerusalem" were integral to the city's support and defense. Jerusalem symbolizes the center of worship and divine presence, and the surrounding areas represent the community of believers who support and uphold the centrality of God in their lives. and the cities of Judah
The "cities of Judah" encompass the broader region of the southern kingdom, known for its loyalty to the Davidic line and the temple worship in Jerusalem. Judah represents the covenantal relationship between God and His people, emphasizing themes of faithfulness, worship, and divine kingship. flocks will again pass under the hands of the one who counts them
This imagery of "flocks" passing under the shepherd's hand signifies restoration and divine oversight. In ancient times, shepherds would count their sheep as they passed under their staff, ensuring each one was accounted for and protected. This phrase speaks to God's meticulous care and the promise of restoration for His people, ensuring that none are lost or forgotten. says the LORD
The declaration "says the LORD" underscores the authority and certainty of the promise. It is a divine assurance that what has been spoken will come to pass. This phrase reminds believers of the reliability and sovereignty of God, whose word is unchanging and whose promises are sure. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the destruction and eventual restoration of Jerusalem and Judah. 2. Hill Country, Foothills, and NegevThese are geographical regions in ancient Israel, representing diverse landscapes and communities within the land. 3. Land of BenjaminA tribal territory in Israel, significant for its proximity to Jerusalem and its historical importance. 4. JerusalemThe central city of worship and governance for the Israelites, often symbolic of God's presence and the heart of the nation. 5. Cities of JudahRefers to the towns and cities within the territory of the tribe of Judah, representing the southern kingdom of Israel. Teaching Points Restoration and HopeGod's promise of restoration is a central theme. Despite current desolation, there is hope for renewal and prosperity. Divine OversightThe imagery of flocks passing under the shepherd's hand signifies God's intimate knowledge and care for His people. He is actively involved in their lives. Faithfulness in DesolationEven in times of desolation, God's promises remain true. Believers are encouraged to trust in His faithfulness and timing. Community and WorshipThe restoration of the land includes the restoration of community and worship. Believers are reminded of the importance of gathering and worshiping together. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the promise of restoration in Jeremiah 33:13 encourage you in your current circumstances? 2. In what ways can you see God's hand of oversight in your life, similar to the shepherd counting his flock? 3. How does the imagery of God as a shepherd in Jeremiah 33:13 connect with Jesus' teaching in John 10? 4. What steps can you take to remain faithful and hopeful during times of personal desolation or difficulty? 5. How can the restoration of community and worship in Jeremiah 33:13 inspire you to engage more deeply with your local church or faith community? Connections to Other Scriptures Ezekiel 34This chapter also speaks of God as a shepherd who will care for His flock, emphasizing restoration and divine oversight. Psalm 23The imagery of God as a shepherd is a recurring theme, highlighting His guidance, provision, and protection. John 10Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, connecting the Old Testament imagery to His role in the New Testament. People Babylonians, Benjamin, David, Ezekiel, Isaac, Jacob, Jeremiah, LevitesPlaces Jerusalem, Negeb, ShephelahTopics Benjamin, Cities, Counteth, Counts, Environs, Flock, Flocks, Foothills, Hands, Hill, Hill-country, Jerusalem, Judah, Low, Lowland, Mountains, Negeb, Negev, Numberer, Numbereth, Numbering, Numbers, Pass, Places, Round, Says, Shephe'lah, South, Suburbs, Telleth, Territory, Towns, Vale, Villages, WesternDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 33:13 4245 hills 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 33:13 NIVJeremiah 33:13 NLTJeremiah 33:13 ESVJeremiah 33:13 NASBJeremiah 33:13 KJV
Jeremiah 33:13 Commentaries
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