10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.
10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
10 and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it.
10 but if they don't cooperate and won't listen to me, I will think again and give up on the plans I had for them.
10 if it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey My voice, then I will relent concerning the good with which I said I would benefit it.
10 but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless it as I said I would.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 18:10
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.