Jeremiah 33:12

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing [their] flocks to lie down.

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; Again in this place {H4725}, which is desolate {H2720} without man {H120} and without beast {H929}, and in all the cities {H5892} thereof, shall be an habitation {H5116} of shepherds {H7462} causing their flocks {H6629} to lie down {H7257}.

ADONAI-Tzva'ot says, "In this place, which is a wasteland without people or animals, and in all its cities, there will once again be pasture-lands where shepherds can let their flocks rest.

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.

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Yet again shall there be in this place, which is waste, without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, a habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.

Commentary

Jeremiah 33:12 offers a powerful message of hope and restoration amidst despair, foretelling the renewal of a devastated land. It is part of God's divine promise to bring about a glorious future for His people, even when their present circumstances are dire.

Context

At the time of this prophecy, Judah was facing or had already endured the devastating Babylonian exile. The land and its cities, including Jerusalem, were rendered desolate, devoid of both people and livestock—a stark judgment for their disobedience. This verse is nestled within a larger section (Jeremiah 30-33) known as the "Book of Consolation," where God promises future restoration and blessing despite the present suffering and desolation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Promise and Hope: The phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" underscores the absolute certainty and authority of God's word. Even in utter desolation, God declares His unwavering intent to bring life, prosperity, and peace back to the land and its people. This is a testament to God's faithfulness and His power to reverse any misfortune.
  • Restoration from Desolation: The core message is the dramatic reversal of fortunes. What was "desolate without man and without beast" will again become inhabited and productive. This signifies God's power to restore and rebuild what seems utterly destroyed, bringing life where there was only emptiness.
  • Peace and Security: The imagery of "shepherds causing their flocks to lie down" evokes a scene of profound peace, prosperity, and security. It signifies a return to normalcy and stability, where life can thrive safely and undisturbed. This pastoral image often represents God's tender care for His people, much like the Lord as our Shepherd in Psalm 23, providing rest and protection.

Linguistic Insights

The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is significant. "Sabaoth" refers to armies, hosts, or multitudes, emphasizing God's supreme power, sovereignty, and ability to command all creation. This title reinforces the reliability of His seemingly impossible promises, as He is the Almighty God who can bring about what He declares, even in the most desperate circumstances.

Practical Application

  • Hope in Despair: Jeremiah 33:12 reminds us that even in our most desolate personal, communal, or spiritual circumstances, God's promises of restoration and renewal are sure. His plans for us are for peace and a future, not for despair.
  • God's Faithfulness: This verse highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people have failed. It assures us that God's ultimate plan is always one of renewal and blessing for those who trust Him.
  • Spiritual Restoration: Beyond the physical return from exile, this verse points to a deeper spiritual restoration. Just as the land finds peace, believers can find true peace and rest in God's presence, knowing He cares for them as a shepherd cares for his flock. This promise foreshadows the new covenant where God writes His law on hearts, bringing true inner peace and spiritual flourishing.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Isaiah 65:10

    And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.

  • Jeremiah 51:62

    Then shalt thou say, O LORD, thou hast spoken against this place, to cut it off, that none shall remain in it, neither man nor beast, but that it shall be desolate for ever.

  • Ezekiel 34:12

    As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep [that are] scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

  • Ezekiel 34:15

    I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Jeremiah 36:29

    And thou shalt say to Jehoiakim king of Judah, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast burned this roll, saying, Why hast thou written therein, saying, The king of Babylon shall certainly come and destroy this land, and shall cause to cease from thence man and beast?

  • Jeremiah 31:24

    And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they [that] go forth with flocks.

  • Zephaniah 2:6

    And the sea coast shall be dwellings [and] cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.
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