7 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;
7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed,
7 If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it,
7 At any moment I may decide to pull up a people or a country by the roots and get rid of them.
7 The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it,
7 If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:7
Commentary on Jeremiah 18:1-10
(Read Jeremiah 18:1-10)
While Jeremiah looks upon the potter's work, God darts into his mind two great truths. God has authority, and power, to form and fashion kingdoms and nations as he pleases. He may dispose of us as 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 rules 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.