Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary-10 Verses 7-10. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, &c. - If that nation, against whom, &c. - And at what instant, &c. - If it do evil, &c.] These verses contain what may be called God's decree by which the whole of his conduct towards man is regulated. If he purpose destruction against an offending person, if that person repent and turn to God, he shall live and not die.
If he purpose peace and salvation to him that walketh uprightly, if he turn from God to the world and sin, he shall die and not live.
Matthew Henry Commentary
God's power over his creatures is represented by the potter. (Jer 18:1-10) The Jews exhorted to repentance, and judgments foretold. (Jer 18:11-17) The prophet appeals to God. (Jer. 18:18-23)
Jer. 18:1-10 While Jeremiah looks upon the potter's work, God dart into his mind two great truths. God has authority, and power, to for and fashion kingdoms and nations as he pleases. He may dispose of us a he thinks fit; and it would be as absurd for us to dispute this, as for the clay to quarrel with the potter. But he always goes by fixed rule of justice and goodness. When God is coming against us in judgments, we may be sure it is for our sins; but sincere conversion from the evil of sin will prevent the evil of punishment, as to persons, and to families, and nations.
Jer. 18:11-17 Sinners call it liberty to live at large; whereas for man to be a slave to his lusts, is the very worst slavery. They forsoo God for idols. When men are parched with heat, and meet with cooling refreshing streams, they use them. In these things men will not leave certainty for an uncertainty; but Israel left the ancient path appointed by the Divine law. They walked not in the highway, in whic they might travel safely, but in a way in which they must stumble: suc was the way of idolatry, and such is the way of iniquity. This mad their land desolate, and themselves miserable. Calamities may be borne if God smile upon us when under them; but if he is displeased, an refuses his help, we are undone. Multitudes forget the Lord and his Christ, and wander from the ancient paths, to walk in ways of their ow devising. But what will they do in the day of judgment!
Jer. 18:18-23 When the prophet called to repentance, instead of obeyin the call, the people devised devices against him. Thus do sinners dea with the great Intercessor, crucifying him afresh, and speaking agains him on earth, while his blood is speaking for them in heaven. But the prophet had done his duty to them; and the same will be our rejoicin in a day of evil __________________________________________________________________
Original Hebrew
ועשׂה 6213 הרעה 7451 בעיני 5869 לבלתי 1115 שׁמע 8085 בקולי 6963 ונחמתי 5162 על 5921 הטובה 2896 אשׁר 834 אמרתי 559 להיטיב 3190 אותו׃ 853
