This phrase indicates the enviable response of a third party to the favourable way that the Lord deals with someone or something, especially in comparison to the third party. If the Lord deals very favourably with the king, the subjects of his kingdom will declare him blessed (Psalm 72:17). If the Lord deals favourably with the wicked, then God’s people call the wicked blessed (Malachi 3:15). Because the Lord dealt favourably with Mary, the mother of Jesus, all nations envy her, and would call her blessed (Luke 1:48). In our text, the Lord promised to deal so favourably with Israel, that surrounding nations would look upon Israel with envy and acknowledge God’s special favour to her.
12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.