XVIII By the parable of a potter, God's absolute power and disposal of nations is set forth, ver. 1-10. Judah's unparalleled revolt: and her judgments, ver. 11-17. The prophet prays against his conspirators, ver. 18-23.

Verse 6. Cannot I do - That God hath an absolute sovereign power to do what he pleases with the work of his hands: but he acts as a just judge, rendering to every man according to his works.

Verse 14. Of Lebanon - Lebanon had rocks, and also fruitful valleys; snow fell upon these rocks, and upon a thaw ran down into the lower places. Reason teaches men not to forsake a greater good for a less, tho' that greater good was but a poor creature comfort, not to be compared with God.

Verse 15. Vanity - idols. Ancient paths - The ways wherein Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the ancient patriarchs walked. To walk - In a way not cast up, not fit for God's people to walk in.

Verse 16. Desolate - Not that this was the end they aimed at, but it was the end these courses would certainly issue in.

Verse 17. East wind - The east wind was in those parts the fiercest wind. As the east-wind scatters the chaff, so saith God, I will scatter them. In their calamity - And when they shall be in great calamity, I will turn my back upon them, I will not regard their prayers.

Verse 18. For - We have the church on our side; the regular priests and the prophets, they know God's mind as well as he. Let us smite him with the tongue - Expose him, representing him to be what the people hate.