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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Jeremiah 33:10–16. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is a further prediction of the happy state of Judah and Jerusalem after their glorious return out of captivity, issuing gloriously at length in the kingdom of the Messiah.
I.It is promised that the people who were long in sorrow shall again be filled with joy.
Every one concluded now that the country would lie for ever desolate, that no beasts would be found in the land of Judah, no inhabitant in the streets of Jerusalem, and consequently there would be nothing but universal and perpetual melancholy (Jer 33:10); but, though weeping may endure for a time, joy will return. It was threatened (Jer 7:34 and Jer 16:9) that the voice of joy and gladness should cease there; but here it is promised that they shall revive again, that the voice of joy and gladness shall be heard there, because the captivity shall be returned; for then was their mouth filled with laughter, Psa 126:1, Psa 126:2.
1.There shall be common joy there, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride; marriages shall again be celebrated, as formerly, with songs, which in Babylon they had laid aside, for their harps were hung on the willow-trees.
2.There shall be religious joy there; temple-songs shall be revived, the Lord's songs, which they could not sing in a strange land. There shall be heard in their private houses, and in the cities of Judah, as well as in the temple, the voice of those that shall say, Praise the Lord of hosts. Note, Nothing is more the praise and honour of a people than to have God the glory of it, the glory both of the power and of the goodness by which it is effected; they shall prise him both as the Lord of hosts and as the God who is good and whose mercy endures for ever. This, though a song of old, yet, being sung upon this fresh occasion, will be a new song. We find this literally fulfilled at their return out of Babylon, Ezr 3:11. They sang together in praising the Lord, because he is good, for his mercy endures for ever. The public worship of God shall be diligently and constantly attended upon: They shall bring the sacrifice of praise to the house of the Lord. All the sacrifices were intended for the praise of God, but this seems to be meant of the spiritual sacrifices of humble adorations and joyful thanksgivings, the calves of our lips (Hos 14:2), which shall please the Lord better than an ox of bullock. The Jews say that in the days of the Messiah all sacrifices shall cease but the sacrifice of praise, and to those days this promise has a further reference.
II.It is promised that the country, which had lain long depopulated, shall be replenished and stocked again.
It was now desolate, without man and without beast; but, after their return, the pastures shall again be clothed with flocks, Psa 65:13. In all the cities of Judah and Benjamin there shall be a habitation of shepherds, Jer 33:12, Jer 33:13. This intimates,
1.The wealth of the country, after their return. It shall not be a habitation of beggars, who have nothing, but of shepherds and husbandmen, men of substance, with good stocks upon the ground they have returned to.
2.The peace of the country. It shall not be a habitation of soldiers, not shall there be tents and barracks set up to lodge them, but there shall be shepherds; tents; for they shall hear no more the alarms of war, nor shall there be any to make even the shepherds afraid. See Psa 144:13, Psa 144:14.
3.The industry of the country, and their return to their original plainness and simplicity, from which, in the corrupt ages, they had sadly degenerated. The seed of Jacob, in their beginning, gloried in this, that they were shepherds (Gen 47:3), and so they shall now be again, giving themselves wholly to that innocent employment, causing their flocks to lie down (Jer 33:12) and to pass under the hands of him that telleth them (Jer 33:13); for, though their flocks are numerous, they are not numberless, nor shall they omit to number them, that they may know if any be missing and may seek after it. Note, It is the prudence of those who have ever so much of the world to keep an account of what they have. Some think that they pass under the hand of him that telleth them that they may be tithed, Lev 27:32. Then we may take the comfort of what we have when God has had his dues out of it. Now because it seemed incredible that a people, reduced as now they were, should ever recover such a degree of peace and plenty as this, here is subjoined a general ratification of these promises (Jer 33:14): I will perform that good thing which I have promised. Though the promise may sometimes work slowly towards an accomplishment, it works surely. The days will come, though they are long in coming.
III.To crown all these blessings which God has in store for them, here is a promise of the Messiah, and of that everlasting righteousness which he should bring in (Jer 33:15, Jer 33:16), and probably this is that good thing, that great good thing, which in the latter days, days that were yet to come, God would perform, as he had promised to Judah and Israel, and to which their return out of captivity and their settlement again in their own land was preparatory. From the captivity to Christ is one of the famous periods, Mat 1:17. This promise of the Messiah we had before (Jer 23:5, Jer 23:6), and there it came in as a confirmation of the promise of the shepherds whom God would set over them, which would make one think that the promise here concerning the shepherds and their flocks, which introduces it, is to be understood figuratively. Christ is here prophesied of,
1.As a rightful King. He is a branch of righteousness, not a usurper, for he grows up unto David, descends from his loins, with whom the covenant of royalty was made, and is that seed with whom that covenant should be established, so that his title is unexceptionable.
2.As a righteous king, righteous in enacting laws, waging wars, and giving judgment, righteous in vindicating those that suffer wrong and punishing those that do wrong: He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. This may point at Zerubbabel, in the type, who governed with equity, not as Jehoiakim had done (Jer 22:17); but it has a further reference to him to whom all judgment is committed and who shall judge the world in righteousness.
3.As a king that shall protect his subjects from all injury. By him Judah shall be saved from wrath and the curse, and, being so saved, Jerusalem shall dwell safely, quiet from the fear of evil, and enjoying a holy security and serenity of mind, in a dependence upon the conduct of this prince of peace, this prince of their peace.
4.As a king that shall be praised by his subjects: "This is the name whereby they shall call him" (so the Chaldee reads it, the Syriac, and vulgar Latin); "this name of his they shall celebrate and triumph in, and by this name they shall call upon him." It may be read, more agreeably to the original, This is he who shall call her, The Lord our righteousness. As Moses's altar is called Jehovah-nissi (Exo 17:15), and Jerusalem Jehovah-shammah (Eze 48:35), intimating that they glory in Jehovah as present with them and their banner, so here the city is called The Lord our righteousness, because they glory in Jehovah as their righteousness. That which was before said to be the name of Christ (says Mr. Gataker) is here made the name of Jerusalem, the city of the Messiah, the church of Christ. He it is that imparts righteousness to her, for he is made of God to us righteousness, and she, by bearing that name, professes to have her whole righteousness, not from herself, but from him. In the Lord have I righteousness and strength, Isa 45:24. And we are made the righteousness of God in him. The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall have this name of the Messiah so much in their mouths that they shall themselves be called by it.
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Summary
Jeremiah 33:13 is a profound prophecy of comprehensive restoration for the land of Judah, delivered amidst the despair of the Babylonian siege. It vividly depicts a future where the devastated regions—from mountains to valleys, south to Benjamin and Jerusalem—will once again flourish with abundant flocks, signifying renewed prosperity, order, and security under the watchful care of their owners. This divine declaration underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, assuring His people that their desolation is temporary and a glorious future awaits.
Context
Literary Context
Jeremiah 33 is situated within the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 30-33) in the larger prophetic work of Jeremiah. This section stands in stark contrast to the preceding pronouncements of judgment, offering a powerful message of hope and future restoration for Judah and Israel. At the time of this prophecy, Jerusalem was under severe siege by the Babylonians, and Jeremiah himself was imprisoned in the court of the guard, as noted in Jeremiah 32:2. Despite the dire circumstances and the impending exile, God reveals His steadfast plan to heal, rebuild, and re-establish His people, culminating in the promise of a "righteous Branch" (Messiah) in Jeremiah 33:15. The immediate verses surrounding Jeremiah 33:13 speak of God's intention to restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel, bringing them healing and abundant peace.
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 33:13 is the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period marked by the ascendancy of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and the decline of the Kingdom of Judah. Jerusalem was under siege, and the land was ravaged by war, leading to widespread desolation, famine, and the imminent threat of exile. For an agrarian society like ancient Israel, the loss of land and livestock meant utter ruin and the collapse of their way of life. The imagery of "flocks passing again under the hands of him that telleth [them]" would have resonated deeply with a people whose economy and identity were intrinsically linked to agriculture and animal husbandry. It painted a picture of a return to normalcy, security, and prosperity—a stark contrast to the chaos and deprivation they were experiencing. The specific mention of various geographical regions highlights the comprehensive nature of the devastation and, by extension, the comprehensive scope of the promised restoration.
Key Themes
Jeremiah 33:13 powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of Divine Promise of Restoration, emphasizing that God's word is reliable and His ultimate plan for His people is one of hope, not despair, despite their sin and subsequent judgment. This promise is not merely a vague hope but a concrete, geographical, and economic re-establishment. Connected to this is the theme of Abundance and Prosperity, symbolized by the thriving flocks and the orderly counting, which signifies renewed wealth, security, and a return to a stable, productive society. The detailed geographical listing underscores the theme of Comprehensive Geographical Restoration, indicating that every part of the devastated land will experience God's renewal. Finally, the verse profoundly illustrates God's Enduring Faithfulness to His covenant, demonstrating His commitment to His chosen people even when they have been unfaithful. This faithfulness is further highlighted by the promise of the "Righteous Branch" in Jeremiah 33:15, who will bring ultimate justice and security.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
A collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men). In this context, "flocks" refers to sheep and goats, which were the primary form of wealth and sustenance in ancient Israel. Their return and abundance signify economic revival, peace, and the restoration of a thriving pastoral life, contrasting sharply with the desolation caused by war and exile.
To cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative). The verb "pass again" implies a return, a movement back into their rightful place. It denotes not just the physical movement of animals but the restoration of a natural, orderly, and prosperous cycle of life that had been disrupted by judgment and exile.
Properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll; appoint, count, number, prepare, set, tell. In this archaic usage, "telleth" means "to count" or "to number." The act of counting flocks signifies ownership, careful management, and security. It implies that the flocks are not merely present but are thriving, accounted for, and under the secure possession of their owners, indicative of a return to order and stability.
(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God. The inclusion of "saith the LORD" at the end of the verse emphasizes that this promise is not a human wish or speculation but a direct, authoritative declaration from the sovereign God, ensuring its certain fulfillment.
Verse Breakdown
"In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah"
This extensive geographical listing meticulously covers the entire territory of Judah, including its diverse topographical regions (mountains, valleys, the southern desert region known as the Negeb), the ancestral land of Benjamin (which included parts of Jerusalem), and the capital city itself. This comprehensive enumeration underscores that the promised restoration is not partial but complete, affecting every corner of the land that had experienced devastation and depopulation. It speaks to God's intention to heal and re-inhabit the entirety of His covenant land.
"shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth [them]"
This is the heart of the prophecy's imagery. "Flocks" represent wealth, sustenance, and a thriving agricultural economy. Their "passing again" signifies their return to the land and their owners. The phrase "under the hands of him that telleth [them]" vividly portrays a shepherd or owner meticulously counting his numerous sheep and goats, a sign of secure possession, order, and prosperity. This image directly contrasts with the chaos and loss of livestock during the siege and exile, promising a future of peace, abundance, and renewed economic stability.
"saith the LORD"
This concluding phrase serves as a divine imprimatur, authenticating the prophecy as a direct, unchangeable word from Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. It removes any doubt about the certainty of the promise, grounding the future hope not in human capability or desire, but in the omnipotence and faithfulness of God Himself.
Literary Devices
Jeremiah 33:13 employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message of hope. Imagery is central, painting a vivid picture of thriving "flocks" being counted by their owners, a stark contrast to the desolation of war. This pastoral scene symbolizes peace, prosperity, and a return to normal life. The extensive geographical listing ("cities of the mountains," "cities of the vale," "cities of the south," "land of Benjamin," "places about Jerusalem," "cities of Judah") utilizes Merism, a rhetorical device where two contrasting or complementary parts represent the whole, to emphasize the comprehensive scope of the promised restoration—from every corner of the land to its very heart. The Repetition of "cities of the..." further reinforces this all-encompassing nature. There is also a powerful Contrast between the present reality of siege and desolation and the prophetic vision of future abundance and order. Finally, the concluding phrase "saith the LORD" functions as an Authoritative Declaration, lending divine weight and certainty to the prophecy, transforming it from a mere hope into an assured divine decree.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Jeremiah 33:13 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign ability to bring life out of death, and hope out of despair. Theologically, it underscores the truth that divine judgment is not God's final word for His covenant people. Even in the midst of severe consequences for their sin, God's ultimate plan is redemptive and restorative. This verse illustrates God's commitment to His covenant promises, demonstrating that His character is steadfast love and mercy, even when His people are unfaithful. The restoration of flocks and the land symbolizes not just physical prosperity but also a spiritual renewal, where God re-establishes His relationship with His people and brings them back into a state of blessing and order under His divine hand.
Reflection and Application
Jeremiah 33:13 offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for hope for believers today, just as it did for the exiled Israelites. In a world often marked by chaos, loss, and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that God is actively involved in the restoration of His creation and His people. It encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances, no matter how bleak, to the certainty of God's ultimate plan. When we face personal desolation, whether from grief, financial hardship, or spiritual barrenness, the imagery of flourishing flocks and the meticulous counting by a faithful owner assures us that God sees our plight, is able to restore order and abundance, and will never abandon His covenant promises to us. It calls us to trust in His sovereign hand, knowing that He has plans for our welfare and a future filled with hope, just as He promised His ancient people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the detailed geographical listing in Jeremiah 33:13?
The detailed listing of "cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah" is highly significant. It emphasizes the comprehensive and total nature of God's promised restoration. It means that every region that experienced devastation—from the highest hills to the lowest valleys, from the southern wilderness to the heartland around Jerusalem—will participate in the renewal. This detail assures the people that God's restoration is not partial or limited but will encompass the entire land, bringing healing and prosperity to every corner. It underscores God's sovereignty over all territories and His meticulous care for His covenant people and their inheritance.
What does the phrase "him that telleth [them]" mean, and why is it important?
The archaic phrase "him that telleth [them]" means "him that counts them" or "him that numbers them." In ancient agrarian societies, counting flocks was a common practice for shepherds and owners to keep track of their valuable livestock. This act signifies several important things: it indicates ownership and possession, meaning the flocks are securely in the hands of their rightful owners; it implies order and management, contrasting with the chaos of war and loss; and most importantly, it denotes abundance and prosperity, as there are enough flocks to warrant counting, signaling a thriving economy and a return to peace and stability. The imagery thus promises a tangible, practical restoration of wealth and well-being after a period of severe deprivation, fulfilling God's plans for a future and a hope, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Jeremiah 33:13, with its vibrant promise of restored flocks and a thriving land, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While initially pointing to the physical return and re-establishment of Israel after Babylonian exile, the prophecy's deeper spiritual implications are realized in the New Covenant established through Christ. Jesus is the true and ultimate Shepherd, the one who gathers His scattered flock, not merely from physical exile but from the spiritual bondage of sin and death. He declares Himself the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, and who has other sheep not of this fold, whom He must bring. The "flocks passing again under the hands of him that telleth [them]" foreshadows Christ's meticulous care for every one of His followers, knowing each by name and ensuring their security and spiritual flourishing. The comprehensive geographical restoration speaks to the global reach of Christ's redemptive work, bringing people from every nation, tribe, and tongue into His kingdom. Furthermore, the "Righteous Branch" promised in Jeremiah 33:15 is Jesus, who establishes a kingdom of righteousness and peace, fulfilling God's promise to restore not just a land, but humanity's relationship with God through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. The ultimate restoration envisioned in Jeremiah finds its consummation in the new heavens and new earth, where God's people dwell in perfect peace and abundance under the perfect rule of the Lamb, as described in Revelation 21:1-4.