John Gill Commentary Jeremiah 18:10

"if they do that which is evil in my sight, that they obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them." — Jeremiah 18:10 (ASV)

If it do evil in my sight What is sinful, contrary to the law and will of God, openly and publicly, in a bold and daring manner: that it obey not my voice : in my word, and by my prophets, but turn a deaf ear to them, and slight and despise all instructions, admonitions, and reproofs:

then I will repent of the good wherewith I said I would benefit them ; or, "do them good" ^F20 ; that is, withhold it from them, and not bestow it on them; but, on the contrary, correct or punish them according to their deserts.

Thus, though God is a sovereign God, yet, in the dispensations of his providence towards kingdoms and nations, he deals with them in such a merciful and equitable manner, that there is no just reason to complain of him; and yet he maintains and keeps up his power and authority, such as the potter exercises over the clay.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F20: (wtwa byjyhl) "ad benefaciendum ei", Montanus; "ut benefacerem ei", Valablus, Pagninus; "benefacturum ei", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.