The verse highlights a fascinating duality: the surrounding nations will fear and tremble not because of God's judgment, but specifically for all the goodness and prosperity He lavishes on His people. This isn't just terror; it's a profound awe that arises from witnessing God's unmatched faithfulness, compelling others to respect His power and goodness. It points to a future where God's blessings are so spectacular they command the attention and reverence of the entire world.
And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is speaking through Jeremiah after the destruction of Jerusalem, promising restoration and a future filled with hope and prosperity. This verse highlights how this future restoration will not only bring joy to His people but also draw the attention of all nations, who will witness God's mighty acts and either revere Him or tremble before His power and faithfulness. This promise points beyond the immediate return from exile to the ultimate work of God through the coming Messiah.
Jerusalem had become a symbol of judgment and exile. But God promises a radical reversal, turning His people's shame into His own glory.
Jeremiah's prophecy arrives at a dark time. Jerusalem is in ruins, and its people are scattered. The city, once a symbol of God's presence, has become a testament to His judgment.
A New Name
But God declares this isn't the end. He promises to restore Jerusalem, and this restoration won't be quiet.
When the nations see God's incredible goodness poured out on Jerusalem, their reaction isn't just awe – it's a complex mix of astonishment and respect.
The verse states that the nations 'shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it.' This response isn't simple terror, nor is it just neutral observation.
A Two-Edged Reaction
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This 'fear and trembling' has a dual nature:
Understand the original words
yārē’ · Hebrew Verb
A healthy, reverent awe before God’s majesty, power, and holiness. It is not mere terror, but a recognition of God's overwhelming character that leads to obedience and worship.
This prophecy comes during Jerusalem's darkest hour, after multiple deportations and the destruction of the Temple. It contrasts the present devastation with a future hope of restoration so profound that the surrounding nations will witness God's power and goodness.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria to Assyria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of many Israelites and a significant blow to the nation's standing.
597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon captures Jerusalem and deports a significant portion of the population, including royalty and skilled workers, to Babylon.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, further exiling the remaining population and leaving the land devastated.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus; Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia allows the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, marking the beginning of the Second Temple period.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The rebuilt Second Temple is dedicated, symbolizing a partial restoration of Jerusalem and its religious life, though still under foreign rule.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah leads the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, a crucial step in restoring the city's security and significance after the exile.
c. 590-570 BC— this verse
Jeremiah Prophesies During Jerusalem's Fall
Jeremiah delivers his prophecies, including those of judgment and future restoration, during the tumultuous final years of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem. Jeremiah 33 speaks of a future restoration and divine blessing.
This passage echoes Jeremiah's promise of Jerusalem becoming a source of praise and renown, stating that its inhabitants will not rest until Jerusalem is made an everlasting sign of God's favor and glory to all peoples.
Ezekiel 36:22-23Here, God explains His redemptive actions for Israel are not for their sake but to sanctify His name among the nations, directly paralleling Jeremiah's vision of Jerusalem bringing glory to God before all peoples.
Psalm 130:4This psalm speaks of God's abundant mercy and forgiveness, which is the foundation for His people to fear Him, aligning with Jeremiah's prophecy that the nations will fear and tremble because of the goodness and prosperity God provides.
Exodus 15:14-16This passage describes the fear and trembling that fell upon surrounding nations upon hearing of God's mighty acts in delivering Israel from Egypt, demonstrating the historical precedent for nations reacting with awe and dread to God's power displayed on behalf of His people.
barnesJeremiah 33:9: "And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it."
It - The city, Jerusalem. They shall fear and tremble - With terror, because of the eternal opposition between right and wrong, truth and error. The nations of the earth as opposed to Israel represent the world as opposed to the C…
calvinJeremiah 33:9: "And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it."
- And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity…
The verse highlights a fascinating duality: the surrounding nations will fear and tremble not because of God's judgment, but specifically for all the goodness and prosperity He lavishes on His people. This isn't just terror; it's a profound awe that arises from witnessing God's unmatched faithfulness, compelling others to respect His power and goodness. It points to a future where God's blessings are so spectacular they command the attention and reverence of the entire world.
God is speaking through Jeremiah after the destruction of Jerusalem, promising restoration and a future filled with hope and prosperity. This verse highlights how this future restoration will not only bring joy to His people but also draw the attention of all nations, who will witness God's mighty acts and either revere Him or tremble before His power and faithfulness. This promise points beyond the immediate return from exile to the ultimate work of God through the coming Messiah.
God is speaking through Jeremiah after the destruction of Jerusalem, promising restoration and a future filled with hope and prosperity. This verse highlights how this future restoration will not only bring joy to His people but also draw the attention of all nations, who will witness God's mighty acts and either revere Him or tremble before His power and faithfulness. This promise points beyond the immediate return from exile to the ultimate work of God through the coming Messiah.
"And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide fo…" — The verse highlights a fascinating duality: the surrounding nations will fear and tremble not because of God's judgment, but specifically for all the goodness and prosperity He lavishes on His pe…
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Last reviewed October 2026
