Jeremiah 33:12-13
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse paints a picture of complete desolation ("without man or beast") but promises a return to life through the humble work of shepherds. This isn't just about restoring buildings, but about restoring the simple, peaceful rhythms of pastoral life, signifying a profound restoration of God's presence and blessing.
“Thus says the LORD of hosts: In this place that is waste, without man or beast, and in all of its cities, there shall again be habitations of shepherds resting their flocks. In the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the Shephelah, and in the cities of the Negeb, in the land of Benjamin, the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, flocks shall again pass under the hands of the one who counts them, says the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This promise arrives after God has declared judgment and exile for His people's unfaithfulness, leaving their land barren and cities empty. Jeremiah is speaking to those who are experiencing or anticipating this devastation, and the verses immediately following (Jeremiah 33:13-14) expand on this restoration by mentioning specific regions within Judah where flocks will once again be counted, signifying peace and returning prosperity.
Imagine a land utterly empty. No sounds of life, no footsteps, no bleating sheep. Jeremiah paints a stark picture of desolation.
Jeremiah 33:12 opens with a powerful contrast. The land is described as 'waste, without man or beast.' This wasn't just a temporary setback; it was a scene of profound emptiness, the result of judgment and exile.
A Land Uninhabited
After describing total emptiness, the verse shifts to a simple, pastoral image. What does the return of shepherds signify?
The heart of the promise is the return of life and peace, symbolized by shepherds and their flocks. This image is not just about agriculture; it's a profound theological statement.
The Gentle Hand of Peace
Ask a follow-up
The contrast between desolation and the presence of shepherds is immense. What does this dramatic turnaround tell us about God's power and faithfulness?
This verse is a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness, promising renewal even after severe judgment. It bridges the gap between destruction and a future filled with hope.
A Covenant Promise
This prophecy by Jeremiah comes during the deep despair of the Babylonian exile, when the land of Judah lay in ruins. The vision of shepherds and their flocks returning to a desolate land, even the cities, powerfully contrasts the current destruction with a future of peaceful restoration and God's enduring care.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, leading to the deportation of many of its inhabitants and the settlement of foreigners in the land. This marks a significant decline in the fortunes of the ten northern tribes.
597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieges Jerusalem and carries away King Jehoiachin, the royal family, and a significant portion of the Judean elite, including the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon. This is the first wave of exile for Judah.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar returns, destroys Jerusalem and its temple, and deports most of the remaining population to Babylon. The land is left devastated, fulfilling prophecies of judgment.
c. 580-570 BC— this verse
Jeremiah's Ministry Continues in Exile
Jeremiah, though having been taken to Egypt, continues to prophesy. He sends letters and messages to the exiles in Babylon, offering messages of both judgment and eventual restoration.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus, overthrows the Babylonian Empire, opening the way for the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland.
538 BC onwards
Return from Exile and Rebuilding
Under decrees from Cyrus, many Jews return to Judah and begin the process of rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple. This period is marked by challenges and a gradual restoration of community life.
This earlier passage from Jeremiah also speaks of restoration and joy in Jerusalem, mentioning singing and the overflowing of sacrifices, painting a picture of a redeemed people returning to a vibrant city.
Isaiah 65:10Isaiah prophesies a similar return to fertility and life in the land, where the Valley of Achor (a place of trouble) becomes a place of hope and a sheepfold, directly echoing the imagery of shepherds and flocks.
Ezekiel 34:25-28This prophetic passage describes God's ultimate faithfulness in restoring His people, promising peace, safety, and abundant blessing, where they will 'dwell securely in the land,' with no one to make them afraid, fulfilling the peaceful imagery of Jeremiah.
Zechariah 8:4-5Zechariah paints a picture of a restored Jerusalem where old men and women will sit in the streets, and boys and girls will play, with the land filled with flocks and shepherds once again, showing the complete restoration of life and activity.
calvinJeremiah 33:12-13: "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 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 babitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.
Sic dicit Jehova exercituum, Adhuc erit in loco hoc destructo, ut n…
clarkeJeremiah 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."
A habitation of shepherds - See on Jeremiah 31:12 (note).
The verse paints a picture of complete desolation ("without man or beast") but promises a return to life through the humble work of shepherds. This isn't just about restoring buildings, but about restoring the simple, peaceful rhythms of pastoral life, signifying a profound restoration of God's presence and blessing.
This promise arrives after God has declared judgment and exile for His people's unfaithfulness, leaving their land barren and cities empty. Jeremiah is speaking to those who are experiencing or anticipating this devastation, and the verses immediately following (Jeremiah 33:13-14) expand on this restoration by mentioning specific regions within Judah where flocks will once again be counted, signifying peace and returning prosperity.
This promise arrives after God has declared judgment and exile for His people's unfaithfulness, leaving their land barren and cities empty. Jeremiah is speaking to those who are experiencing or anticipating this devastation, and the verses immediately following (Jeremiah 33:13-14) expand on this restoration by mentioning specific regions within Judah where flocks will once again be counted, signifying peace and returning prosperity.
"“Thus says the LORD of hosts: In this place that is waste, without man or beast, and in all of its cities, there shall again be habitations of shepherds resting their flocks. In the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the Shephela…" — The verse paints a picture of complete desolation ("without man or beast") but promises a return to life through the humble work of shepherds. This isn't just about restoring buildings, but about res…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
