Matthew Henry Commentary Jeremiah 18:1-10

"The word which came to Jeremiah from Jehovah, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter`s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter`s house, and, behold, he was making a work on the wheels. And when the vessel that he made of the clay was marred in the hand of the potter, he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of Jehovah came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith Jehovah. Behold, as the clay in the potter`s hand, so are ye in my hand, O house of Israel. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy it; if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; 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 18:1-10 (ASV)

While Jeremiah observes 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 do with 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 acts according to fixed rules of justice and goodness. When God is bringing judgments against us, we can be sure it is for our sins; but sincere conversion from the evil of sin will prevent the evil of punishment, for individuals, families, and nations.