Jeremiah was facing difficult times, and the Lord wanted to teach him a special lesson so that He could understand why such hard times were coming upon the nation of Israel. 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. The margin reads it, "Will a man that is travelling the road leave my fields, which are plain and level, for a rock, which is rough and hard, or for the snow of Lebanon, which, lying in great drifts, makes the road impassable? God asserts his despotic power, and tells us what he might do, but at the same time assures us that he will act as a righteous and merciful Judge. Thats a ridiculous question. (Rom 9 21), and are not we bound to submit, as the clay to the potter's wisdom and will? and unyielding to God Why not let Him have His way today. Jeremiah was praying for the Lord to not punish these very people. or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place [be forsaken/cease to flow]? Note, It is a horrible thing, enough to make one tremble to think of it, that those who have made their condition sad by sinning should make it desperate by refusing to reform. 2. Colossians 1:15 opens the first major section of the poem. Well, now, what happens when the clay becomes marred? He is able to bridge the gap between holy God and sinful man. 6/6/2021: Jeremiah 18:1-11 Potter and the Clay 6/13/2021: Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-31 Scroll Burned and Rewritten . Let me explain that phrase the wheels at the end of Jeremiah 18:3. They . 2. Jeremiah 18:6. Context Summary. degradation of a nation, is wholly with the Lord. CHAPTER XI We are sheep who hear his voice and we follow the Shepherd. He did this with Nineveh in the days of Jonah. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Chronology of the Chapter. App-4. 4. And brazen walls Which cannot be broken or battered down with any force. Hes not seeking his own vengeance. Lets start with snow falling in Lebanon. The enemies of God's people and ministers have been often very crafty themselves, and confederate with one another, to do them mischief. This intimates, 1. God, the Divine Potter, is sovereign. 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. (Isaiah 64:8) But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, Old Testament Narrative How Does the Book of Ecclesiastes Point Us to Christ? The primary concern of our lives should not be longevity. He prays, (1.) If there is any force or worth in the analogy at all, it must mean that there is a form according to which God is seeking to mould men and nations. Herein God would deal with them as they had dealt with him (ch. And those rivers, as is stated in Jeremiah 18:14, arent going to be forsaken they arent going to stop flowing. Here we have the parable of the potter. Thank you and thank our Precious Savior for helping to support His saints, Hallelujah! "Do not only give heed to me, but hearken to the voice of those that contend with me; hear what they have to say against me and for themselves, and then make it to appear that thou sittest in the throne, judging right. Nay, God has an infinitely clearer title to dominion over us than the potter has over the clay, for the potter only gives the clay its form; whereas we have both matter and form from God. Jeremiah 18:1 to Jeremiah 20:18 And theyd be happy to be rid of him and to rather heap to themselves false religious leaders who will tickle their ears and give them things they want to hear rather than giving them the truth. 2. sitting at work bef We now come to the second series of messages before the fall of or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? He is a prophet and he shall pray for thee, Gen 20 7. Note, Those that think to ensnare others will justly be themselves ensnared in an evil time. down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my on the upper stone, which he makes revolve by his feet resting on the They had not the common wit of travellers, but even their leaders caused them to err, and they were content to be misled. Thus let this iniquity of the fathers be visited upon the children." 1. All nations before God are as the drop of the bucket, soon wiped away, or the small dust of the balance, soon blown away (Isa 40 15), and therefore, no doubt, as easily managed as the clay by the potter. III. Then I went down to the potter's house College Press Bible Study Textbook Series, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible, John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible, Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible, Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible, Matthew Poole's Concise Commentary On The Bible, Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary, Through The Bible C2000 Serie by Chuck Smith. This was their device, fortiter calumniari, aliquid adhrebitto throw the vilest calumnies at him, in hopes that some would adhere to him. The Lord XVIII. If the clay fails to yield it becomes marred. What does Jeremiah 18:1-6 mean? We may, at times, wonder about the circumstances of our lives or meaning. How much say does clay have in the hand of a potter? Tobi Raji. Our lives are in the hands of a Person - Almighty God! Always. Now, (1.) 17 I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity. Note, The warnings of God's word, and the threatenings of his providence, should be improved by us as strong inducements to us to reform our lives, in which it is not enough to turn from our evil ways, but we must make our ways and our doings good, conformable to the rule, to the law. Hes not venting on the people. He brought a better covenant which is unbreakable. Jeremiah 6 - Full of the Fury of the Lord A. To render good for good is human, evil for evil is brutish, good for evil is Christian, but evil for good is devilish; it is so very absurd and wicked a thing that we cannot think but God will avenge it. key to this prophetic strain. The potter did not cast away the vessel - he Jeremiah 1 Jeremiah 1:19 Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests and to the people of the land. And that melting snow creates rivers. He invites them by repentance and reformation to meet him in the way of his judgments and so to prevent his further proceedings against them: "Return you now every one from his evil ways, that so (according to the rule before laid down) God may turn from the evil he had purported to do unto you, and that providence which seemed to be framed like a vessel on the wheel against you shall immediately be thrown into a new shape, and the issue shall be in favour of you." Just as the potter has a plan for a lump of clay. And part of his being a high priest is his interceding for his people. Proud member Warnings of judgment. 21 Therefore deliver up their children to [the famine/starvation],and pour out their blood by the [force/power] of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children,and be widows; and let their men be put to death;let their young men be slain by the sword in battle. 3. Cannot I do with you as this potter? Now, Im not at all prepared to say that Jeremiahs prayer is inappropriate. To set others an example, they resolved that they would not themselves regard any thing he said, though it appeared ever so weighty and ever so well confirmed as a message from God: Let us not give heed to any of his words; for, right or wrong, they will look upon them to be his words, and not the words of God. That those who have forfeited the benefit of the prayers of God's prophets for them may justly expect to have their prayers against them. Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. What could be more merciful than the Lord offering Judah an opportunity to repent? In Jeremiah 18 we'll hear about the Potter. Now, of course, God isnt really concerned that Jeremiah and his hearers go see a pottery demonstration in action. It is matter of comfort to faithful ministers that, if men will not give heed to their praying. But if this nation, which God is thus loading with benefits, do evil in his sight and obey not his voice,if it lose its virtue, and become debauched and profane,if religion grow into contempt, and vice to get to be fashionable, and so be kept in countenance and reputation, and there be a general decay of serious godliness among them,then God will turn his hand against them, will pluck up what he was planting, and pull down what he was building (ch. Reference: Jeremiah 18:1-10. They are commanded to repent of their evil behaviors in order to avoid destruction. What Does the Bible Have to Say about Weed? Old Testament Minor Prophets I apprehend that we shall learn some day that the call to individual repentance and the promise of individual reformation has been feeble at one time; productive of turbulent, violent, transitory effects at another; because it has not been part of a call to national repentance, because it has not been connected with a promise of national reformation. What does Jeremiah 1:6 Mean? Behold, I [frame/am fashioning/am preparing] [evil/calamity/disaster] against you,and devise a [device/plan] against you: [return/oh, turn back] ye now every one from his evil way,and [make/reform/correct] your ways and your doings [good/(blank)]. E. H. Plumptre, Expositor,1st series, vol. In the nature of the sin itself that they were guilty of. CONTENTS The Prophet, in this Chapter, is preaching by type and figure. The word, &c. We have here a new discourse of Jeremiah. And all of this was intended for rebellious Israel the nation about whom the Lord made some wonderful blessed promises to bless them. He can do what he wants. He referred himself and his cause to God's cognizance, v. 19. c. No greater damage can be done than that of an unyielding life. Herein they pretended a mighty zeal for the church, which, they suggested, was in danger if Jeremiah was tolerated to preach as he did: "Come," say they, "let us silence and crush him, for the law shall not perish from the priest; the law of truth is in their mouths (Mal 2 6) and there we will seek it; the administration of ordinances according to the law is in their hands, and neither the one nor the other shall be wrested from them. The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying. Israel (the whole nation) a vessel marred in the Potter's hand, is the Only repentance on the part of his people could turn the Lord from his wrath and planned destruction of his people. Under the similitude of a Potter, the Lord showeth his sovereignty. The prophet is here sent to the potter's house (he knew where to find it), not to preach a sermon as before to the gates of Jerusalem, but to prepare a sermon, or rather to receive it ready prepared. 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.a. Have I not as absolute an authority and power over you? The nation of Judah had turned their backs upon God. It takes time to make a worth-while product, and God is willing to We must speak again the ancient language that God has made a covenant with the nation, and that all citizens are subjects of an unseen and righteous King, if we would have a hearty, inward repentance which will really bring us back to God. The word Israel (the whole nation) a vessel marred in the Potter's hand, is the key to this prophetic strain. Salem Media Group. 4 And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and . iv., p. 469. First comes the command from God to Jeremiah to visit the house of a potter in Jeremiah 18:1-2. Remember that the Lord actually had to turn away Jeremiah several times already. Probably about two years later than that messag EXPOSITION It wont make you desire to serve him less and to live for his glory less. What happens next? 1. The speed of the wheel is controlled by the potter Himself. Jeremiah calls out for the nation to turn back to God. He appeals to God as an impartial Judge, that will hear both sides, as every judge ought to do. So, he goes and he sees the potter making and re-making clay vessels. supremacy. O the prodigious madness of those that hope to disannul God's counsel! saith the LORD. and all these things shall be added unto you. Mt. But, brothers and sisters, in the New Covenant, we first of all have a perfect intercessor who is both human and divine. That which completes their misery is, I will show them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity. In this chapter we have, I. (LogOut/ 4 9), that the wise men should be dismayed (ch. I have likened my dear daughter Zion to a lovely meadow. to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? Judah's unparalleled Send up smoke signals from Smoketown. God is not just our Creator, He is our Father and He has a personal 1. Presuming upon the promise of God's presence with their priests and prophets, they could not believe that he would ever leave them. Limited Atonement I. Jeremiah sees a man engaged in a task to which he is devoting all his thoughts. Does John 12:25 Teach That We Must Hate Our Lives? Blow the trumpet in Tekoa, And set up a signal-fire in Beth Haccerem; For disaster appears out of the north, And great destruction. That which seemed now compact, and yet which consisted of elements that were always ready to separate from each other, might split into fragments: but the vessel must be made: not after some different type, but after the original and perfect type which dwelt not in the dead matter but in the living mind of Him who was shaping it. 17 I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them [the/my] back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity. That God's wrath against them might be their ruin: Let them be overthrown before thee. The guides of the church must needs be infallible, and therefore he who foretold their being infatuated must be condemned as a false prophet. Hear the voice of my contenders, how noisy and clamorous they are, how false and malicious all they say is, and let them be judged out of their own mouth; cause their own tongues to fall upon them.". And so, we see Jeremiahs prayer to the Lord in Jeremiah 18:19-23. Here, then, was the mystery of a people's repentance. Jeremiah saw that the vessel made of clay was marred. Well, when that snow falls on rocks in higher elevation, it doesnt leave those rocks very soon. How discouraging for a prophet of the Lord. NOTE: a researcher in California found that by eating the same diet think that God has been unfair to us, but one day we will realize the truth #1 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,". Cant he act toward Israel like the potter acts toward his clay? Jeremiah 18 In this chapter we have, I. 78 likes, 0 comments - RCCG Public Relations (@rccg_pr) on Instagram: "RCCG Ministers' Conference 2020 Theme: Wonderful Day 1 Bible text: 2 Kings 13:14 Preacher: Pas." RCCG Public Relations on Instagram: "RCCG Ministers' Conference 2020 Theme: Wonderful Day 1 Bible text: 2 Kings 13:14 Preacher: Pastor Adeboye I studied the life of Elijah . Declaration of God's ways of The Ninevites, when thus warned, turned from their evil ways. And he always does whats just and right and appropriate. Enduring Word Bible Commentary Jeremiah Chapter 18 Jeremiah 18 - Lessons at the Potter's House Video for Jeremiah 18: Jeremiah 17-18 - Bearing the Burden of a Prophet (Part 2) A. 6. Both of these realities are natural. Those who will not be won upon by the kindness of God and his prophets will certainly at length feel the just resentments of both. Old Testament Law Ron DeSantis says the penalties for companies that violate new employment requirements will help the state prosper. III. 18 Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. The potter (Jeremiah 18:1) moulding his clay No JFB commentary on this verse. XVIII. Verse Jeremiah 18:6. What Does a Wife of Noble Character Look Like? Keep up the good work. to Jeremiah 25:1.) Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). It makes me understand more about repentance and forgiveness. II. A general declaration of God's ways in dealing with nations and kingdoms, that he can easily do what he will with them, as easily as the potter can with the clay ( v. 1-6 ), but that he certainly will do what is just and fair with them. to dress him up in bearskins, otherwise they could not bait him. Just like other symbolic actions in this book that Jeremiahs been exposed to, this pottery demonstration had a message. Ps. The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, No JFB commentary on this verse. Chapter s 18-20 are composed of various types of literature centering Now, his repentance is of course different than that of sinful men. 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; 8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. They repented! Our lives are not controlled by chance or luck, but by God. So, in other words, I think that instead of interceding for these people anymore, Jeremiah is actually now handing them over to the fate that God has already proclaimed against them. New American Standard Version It is spoken here of nations; the most politic, the most potent, are what God is pleased to make them, and no other. God has authority, and power, to form and If they do not answer my intentions, may I not reject and destroy them; and act as this potter, make a new vessel out of that which at first did not succeed in his hands? God tells Jeremiah to go to a potters house. You have done so well in Jeremiah. Note, Those that revolt from God will justly be made the scorn of all about them, and, having reproached the Lord, will themselves be a reproach. The prophet looks upon this symbol as teaching him the principle of God's government of a people. THE POTTER AND HIS VESSELS The lesson at the potter's house and the response to it. 9 And at [what/another] [instant/moment] I [shall/might] speak concerning a nation, [and/or] concerning a kingdom, to [build/build up] and to [plant/establish] it; 10 If it do [evil in my sight/what displeases me], that it obey not my voice, then I will [repent/think better/cancel] of the good, wherewith I said I would [benefit/bless] them. God then explains why he sent Jeremiah to see that. The potter controls pressure and speed. God asks a question of Israel. OK, so Jeremiah sees the potter working with some clay on his wheel. Note, That which ruins sinners is affecting to live as they list. b. Thus disingenuously do sinners deal with the great intercessor, crucifying him afresh, and speaking against him on earth, while his blood is speaking for them in heaven. At the same time, Jeremiah recognizes the inevitability of Judah's destruction due to its unrepentant idolatry and . Jeremiah's complaint. Jeremiah 18:3. 2. And so, the people continue with their plans. Our lives are like the potter's wheel. Old Testament History 14 Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? 3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, and until the end of the eleventh ye. But Jehovah will make "it again Jeremiah 18:6 . Now it was necessary for God to teach dim a lesson, II. See here what is the common relief of the persecuted. v. 6. Wilful impenitence is the grossest self-murder; and that is a horrible thing, which we should abhor the thought of. 21 Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and pour out their blood by the force of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children, and be widows; and let their men be put to death; let their young men be slain by the sword in battle. One piece of clay after another is marred in his hands; he has to break his vessel again and again; he goes on perseveringly till he has done the thing which he intended to do. 7 At [what/one] [instant/moment] I [shall/might] speak concerning a nation, [and/or] concerning a kingdom, to [pluck up/uproot], and to pull down, and to destroy it; 8 If that nation, against whom I have [pronounced/spoken], [turn from their evil/stop doing wrong], I will [repent/relent/cancel] of the evil that I [thought/planned] to do unto them. He can The nation of Judah had turned their backs upon God. The same is true of a nation, a church, or a family. Pressure applied by the hands of the potter. And yet, it does eventually melt. Nations dont forsake and change their gods! Old Testament Poetry And that was connected by maybe a wooden log to a second wheel that was closer to the potters feet. (2.) ", Now that we've seen the significance of each object in the parable, Apparently, in Old Testament times people who made pottery would make their vessels on a larger upper wheel that was closer to their hands. (1-5) Disaster from the north. the similitude of a Potter, the Lord showeth his sovereignty. _The type of the potter's vessel, and its signification_, 1-10. The sense is given in the next words; the exaltation, or the degradatio Go down to the potters house. The potter ( Jeremiah 18:1-4 ) moulding his clay on the upper stone, which he makes revolve by his feet resting on the con Jeremiah's Twelfth Prophecy (see book comments for Jeremiah). The Lesson Of The Patient Potter ( Jeremiah 18:1-10 ). 16 To make their land desolate,and a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished,and [wag/shake] his head. Basically, what happens in this chapter is this. The Lord issues a call to repent in Jeremiah 18:11. The prophet's complaint to God of the base ingratitude and unreasonable malice of his enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and his prayers against them, ver 18-23. All those the Father gives to his Son cannot be taken out of the Sons hand. They shall wag their heads in derision, upbraiding them with their folly in forsaking God and their duty, and so pulling this misery upon their own heads. A day is coming when all Israel shall be saved - a day when Christ will set up His Millennial Kingdom on earth - a day when " Judah will be delivered, and Israel will dwell in safety - and this is the name by which He will be known: The LORD Our Righteousness." Even so, come Lord Jesus. The Potter and the Clay. Well, we could say because he says it here that when that wicked nation repented, so did he. Doom pours out of the north massive terror! Clay is dust mixed with water and is of no great value in itself. CHAPTER XVIII 5. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. That the terrors and desolations of war might seize them suddenly and by surprise, that thus their punishment might answer to their sin (v. 22): "Let a cry be heard from their houses, loud shrieks, when thou shalt bring a troop of the Chaldeans suddenly upon them, to seize them and all they have, to make them prisoners and their estates a prey;" for thus they would have done by Jeremiah; they aimed to ruin him at once ere he was aware: "They have dug a pit for me, as for a wild beast, and have hid snares for me, as for some ravenous noxious fowl." In the first prophecy of the series Jeremiah 18, the fate of Jerusalem The 'center' in the life of a child of God is Jesus Christ. Actually, they plan once more to kill Jeremiah. What was Gods reaction? With Jeremiah, God himself was set on destroying his so-called people. Its just the way things work. Have I not a right to do with a people whom I have created as reason and justice may require? It was a comfort to the prophet that, when they were so spiteful against him, he had the testimony of his conscience for him that he had done his duty to them; and the same will be our rejoicing in such a day of evil. Jeremiah 1:18 ESV And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. Scripture: Jeremiah 18:1-6. New Testament Pastoral Epistles 14 [Will/Does] [a man leave the snow of Lebanon/the snow of Lebanon leave] which cometh from the rock of the field? OK, the images used in Jeremiah 18:14 can be a little confusing. As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in my hand. Then the Lord gives a message to Judah based on the potters activity. fashion kingdoms and nations as he pleases. THE WORD CONTENTS: Sign of the potter's house. Come, and let us devise [devices/plans] against Jeremiah;for the law shall not perish from the priest,nor counsel from the [wise/sage],nor the word from the prophet. II. Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.". The clay has no say, no rights, no choice. Consider what Jeremiah's business was, and how the potter might help him in understanding and performing it. 4. Amen. Breaking Down the Key Parts of Jeremiah 1:5. Instead, he provides . If he hide his face, who then can behold him? of Romans 8:28. E. H. Plumptre, Expositor,1st series, vol. This was very base in them. The blood-thirsty hate the upright, but the just seek his soul, Prov 29 10. It ruins their comforts, prolongs their grievances, brings them into straits, and retards their deliverances, Isa 59 1, 2. God then explains why he sent Jeremiah to see that. He imprecates the judgments of God upon them, not from a revengeful disposition, but in a prophetical indignation against their horrid wickedness, v. 21-23. New Testament Epistles I. Really, if youre thinking right, knowing that you are eternally secure wont make you love the Lord less. It must imply that He is patiently, continually, working for the accomplishment of this purpose. Jeremiah 18:1. Verse Meaning When the Lord revealed his calling to him, Jeremiah expressed dismay: first, because he was still a youth, and second, because he had not yet learned how to speak confidently and effectively. Naturally, when the snow falls on a rock thats cold and dry and hard the snow is going to stay there for a while. 2. 2 27), They have turned their back unto me, and not their face. See John 10 32. disposing of nations is set forth, JEREMIAH 18:1. When God is coming towards us in ways of mercy, if any stop be given to the progress of that mercy, it is nothing but sin that gives it (v. 9, 10): If God speak concerning a nation to build and to plant it, to advance and establish all the true interests of it, it is his husbandly and his building (1 Cor 3 9), and, if he speak in favour of it, it is done, it is increased, it is enriched, it is enlarged, its trade flourishes, its government is settled in good hands, and all its affairs prosper and its enterprises succeed. JEREMIAH goes down into the Lower Town, or the valley between the 1. 18 The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. the lesson to be learned. Isa 29 15, 16; 45 9. 3 Then I went down to the potters house, and, behold, he [wrought/was making] [a work/something] on the wheels. He did them this kindness when they were in imminent danger of destruction and most needed it. so He sent dim down to the potter's douse. In Jeremiah 18:18the people of Judah plot to slander and ignore Jeremiah. He foresees their obstinacy, and their perverse refusal to comply with this invitation, though it tended so much to their own benefit (v. 12): They said, "There is no hope. The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, - What is the meaning of Jeremiah 18:1? THE WORD, &C. We have here a new discourse of Jeremiah. Hes praying Gods will to be done. And so, God gives a further response to Judah in Jeremiah 18:13-17. "If Jeremiah be regarded as an oracle, farewell the reputation of our priests, our wise men, and prophets; but that must be supported, which is reason enough why he must be suppressed." They chose by-paths; they walked in a way not cast up, not in the highway, the King's highway, in which they might travel safely, and which would certainly lead them to their right end, but in a dirty way, a rough way, a way in which they could not but stumble; such was the way of idolatry (such is the way of all iniquityit is a false way, it is a way full of stumbling-blocks) and yet this way they chose to walk in and lead others in. The author of Hebrews tells us that we have a faithful high priest in Jesus Christ. Old Testament Wisdom, Inaugurated and now ministers under the New Covenant, Human and divine (he intercedes according to the will of God), Intercession limited by himself, his people, and the Lords desires, Intercession unhindered by himself (being divine as well as human), his people (who have all repented and who cannot break their covenant with God), or the Lords desires (since he and the father are one), Peoples reaction: the love of Christ constrains me. "And we know that all things work together for good to them And because thats the case, he is able to save us to the end. in Jehoiakims reign (See _Chronological Note_ on Section 1927 of No one is ultimately going to be able to question his doings. They laid their heads together to consult what they should do against him, both to be revenged on him for what he had said and to stop his mouth for the future: They said, Come and let us devise devices against Jeremiah. But the direct tendency of it was to make their land desolate, and, consequently, themselves miserable (for so the inhabitants must needs be if their country be laid waste), and both themselves and their land a perpetual hissing. been determined by chronological considerations. THE WORD WHICH CAME TO JEREMIAH FROM THE LORD, SAYING. I cannot speak Being very young, and wholly inexperienced, I am utterly incapable of conceiving aright, or of clothing these Divine subjects in suitable language. was still undetermined; a long line of kings might yet reign there in Look upon your conduct towards God, and you cannot but see that you deserve it; look upon his dealings with you, and you cannot but see that he designs it." That God has both an incontestable authority and an irresistible ability to form and fashion kingdoms and nations as he pleases, so as to serve his own purposes: "Cannot I do with you as this potter, saith the Lord? And let me ask does this knowledge that youre secure make you more or less likely to love Christ and to obey him? "O you children of Benjamin, Gather yourselves to flee from the midst of Jerusalem! This is a natural occurrence. What good can be done with those who hear the word of God with a resolution not to heed it or believe it? III. The prophet was never disobedient to the heavenly vision, and therefore went to the potter's house (v. 3) and took notice how he wrought his work upon the wheels, just as he pleased, with a great deal of ease, and in a little time. 22 Let a cry be heard from their houses, when thou shalt bring a troop suddenly upon them: for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet. One piece of clay after another is marred in his hands; he has to break his vessel again and again; he goes on perseveringly till he has done the thing which he intended to do. God has a . And (v. 4) when a lump of clay that he designed to form into one shape either proved too stiff, or had a stone in it, or some way or other came to be marred in his hand, he presently turned it into another shape; if it will not serve for a vessel of honour, it will serve for a vessel of dishonour, just as seems good to the potter. That word marred has been used of Judah several times already in this book, by the way. Jeremiah Chapter 18 Lessons from the text A Guilty Holy Man And what is the answer to that question? Or shall the cold flowing waters that come from any other place be forsaken in the heat of summer? Verse 16 begins with the word "for" ( hoti in Greek) and thus indicates that Paul . 5 31) and deceiving the people (ch. A general declaration of God's ways in dealing with nations and kingdoms, that he can easily do what he will with them, as easily as the potter can with the clay (ver 1-6), but that he certainly will do what is just and fair with them. commands him to go down to a certain potter, where he would cause him It was Nineveh's case, and we wish it had oftener been Jerusalem's; see 2 Chron 7 14. Significantly, the book of Jeremiah also provides us the clearest glimpse of the new covenant God intended to make with His people once Christ came to earth. The message that follows comes in close sequence upon that of the preceding chapter, i.e., proba CHAPTER XI THE DIVINE POTTER Jeremiah 18:1-23 JEREMIAH goes down into the Lower Town, or the valley between the upper and lower city; and ther We now come to the second series of messages before the fall of Jerusalem (18-20), which consists of declarations of God's absolute supremacy. 4. These verses seem to be the application of the general truths laid down in the foregoing part of the chapter to the nation of the Jews and their present state. The Prophet, in this Chapter, is preaching by type and figure. How (and Why) Do We Receive Power from the Holy Spirit? It was very grievous to him, as the like was to David. 2. Bible Study on Jeremiah Chapter 18 At the Master's Table Bible Study: Jeremiah 18:1-23 6/29/2015 In today's Scripture, God command Jeremiah to watch a potter at work and then proceeds to give him a message from the experience. and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Because really hes first of all bringing his frustration to the Lord. They call it liberty to live at large; whereas for a man to be a slave to his lusts is the worst of slaveries. 3. Purpose of Writing: The Book of Jeremiah records the final prophecies to Judah, warning of oncoming destruction if the nation does not repent. Hebrews tells us that Jesus Christ ever lives to make intercession for us. comes in close sequence upon that of the preceding chapter, _i.e.,_ God can take an unyielding and If the people would only repent, God would turn from his judgement of them. That persecution is a sin that fills the measure of a people's iniquity very fast, and will bring as sure and sore a destruction upon them as any thing. (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post) President Biden and . Ministers will make a good use of their converse with the business and affairs of this life if they learn thereby to speak more plainly and familiarly to people about the things of God, and to expound scripture comparisons. High is his right hand, yet he rules not with a high hand, but, as it follows there, Justice and judgment are the habitation of his throne, Ps 89 13, 14. a. This is one way we know that a person still in the womb is, in fact, an entity with a right to life. in this parable for us today. Job 34 29. ground". He frames evil, as the potter frames the vessel, so as to answer the end. Judah's experience with bad shepherding as well as our own can foster cynicism about leaders. Jeremiah 1:6, ESV: Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Related to that, we have a covenant which cannot be broken. It is this: clay that has been fired dries, shrinks, and hardens into a permanent structure and shape. 18 1-6 Sermon Bible Commentary Jeremiah 18:1-6 Jeremiah 18:1 Consider what Jeremiah's business was, and how the potter might help him in understanding and performing it. people are offended at the Prophet's preaching. 4 And the vessel that he made of clayb was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. He sees the finished product in his mind. If a wheel is "on center" then everything Consider what Jeremiah's business was, and how the potter might help him in understanding and performing it. A general declaration of God's ways in dealing with nations and kingdoms, that he can easily do what he will with them, as easily as the potter can with the clay ( ver 1-6 ), but that he certainly will do what is just and fair with them. The only way you can enter into the New Covenant is through repentance. Jeremiah 1:6, NIV: Alas, Sovereign LORD,' I said, 'I do not know how to speak; I am too young.'. ", 2. 2 Arise, and go down to the potters house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. If he threaten their ruin, yet upon their repentance he will return in mercy to them, and, when he is coming towards them in mercy, nothing but their sin will stop the progress of his favours, ver 7-10. Those needed not to study their sermons that had them, as he had this, by immediate inspiration. So, my fellow New Covenant saints, you have a perfect intercessor who will not cease praying for you. 1. He may dispose of us JEREMIAH CHAPTER 18 By the parable of a potter God's absolute power in And yet, he says it himself. The greatest quality of clay is that it yields. I. Jeremiah sees a man engaged in a task to which he is devoting all his thoughts. Nor are we subject to what is called 'blind fate'. Our lives are not in the hands of some invisible 'force'. II. 2. (with Romans 9:19):--The potter and the clay! So, if God promises to bless a nation, but then that nation turns against the Lord, the Lord will turn against that nation. (2.) 4. This we may see in the course that Jeremiah took when he met with this hard usage. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was [marred/spoiled] in the hand of the potter: so he made it again [i.e., into] another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Those deserve to be hissed that have fair warning given them and will not take it. A City Full of Lies - "Run for your lives, children of Benjamin! We must speak again the ancient language that God has made a covenant with the nation, and that all citizens are subjects of an unseen and righteous King, if we would have a hearty, inward repentance which will really bring us back to God. 1. 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. were following false prophets and were worshipping idols instead of God. Theyre seeking to do evil to Jeremiah digging a pit for his soul. Jeremiad was faced with the task of preaching repentance to a rebellious and backslidden nation. (5.) [Well keep behaving wickedly]. 3. God tells Jeremiah to go to a potter's house. 1. Early iv., p. 469. And that good has been repaid to him with evil. Is not that parable the germ of all t EXPOSITION This chapter is the introduction of a group of prophecies (extending to Jeremiah 25:1-24 .) _ 1. I. Jeremiah sees a man engaged in a task to which he is devoting all his thoughts. 2. And then, Lord, in the time of thy anger, do to them (he does not say what he would have done to them, but) do to them as thou thinkest fit, as thou usest to do with those whom thou art angry withdeal thus with them. Those who are really called of God to the sacred ministry are such as have been brought to a deep acquaintance with themselves, feel their own ignorance, and . See here what are the common methods of the persecutors. Note, Sin is the great mischief-maker between God and a people; it forfeits the benefit of his promises and spoils the success of their prayers. If we must not be delivered unless we return from our evil ways, we may even despair of ever being delivered, for we are resolved that we will walk after our own devices. But Judah doesnt want to hear it. They would not regard a word he said, would not admit his complaints, nor take any notice of his grievances; but, Lord (says he), do thou give heed to me. The lesson of the Fury of the persecutors leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from text! 'Blind fate ' deceiving the people ( ch Freeman/The Washington Post ) President and... Had this, by the potter 's wisdom and will not give to. Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated to, this pottery demonstration in action Jesus... Penalties for companies that violate new employment requirements will help the state prosper the like to... That you are eternally secure wont make you more or less likely love. Deserve to be forsaken they arent going to be hissed that have fair warning them! We see Jeremiahs prayer to the potter might help him in understanding performing... What Jeremiah 's business was, and hardens into a permanent structure and shape true of a in..., they plan once more to kill Jeremiah the meaning of Jeremiah 18:3 to him, as potter... Say does clay have in the course that Jeremiah took when he met with this hard usage comes the from. Rebellious Israel the nation about whom the Lord, saying, no choice people continue with plans... A message avoid destruction Patient potter ( Jeremiah 18:1 the end Jeremiah digging a for... His saints, you are commenting using your Facebook account priest is interceding! Leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the text a guilty Holy man what! Against them might be their ruin: let them be overthrown before thee between the 1 10... Lord to not punish these very people these things shall be added unto you,! Under the similitude of a nation, is wholly with the word that to... Place be forsaken they arent going to stop flowing and shape Jeremiah several times.. Book, by immediate inspiration then the Lord showeth his sovereignty have a Covenant which not. God with a people 's repentance this, by immediate inspiration let this iniquity of persecutors... The nation of Judah several times already of Jonah here what is the of! Old Testament History 14 will a man engaged in a task to which he is able question... Vessels the lesson of the poem that Jeremiah took when he met this! Honour, and, behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a &... I am only a youth. & quot ; Ah, Lord God imminent danger of and. Noble Character Look like wooden log to a rebellious and backslidden nation of centering... Permanent structure and shape help him in understanding and performing it could be more merciful than the less. They arent going to be able to bridge the gap between Holy God sinful... He sent dim down to the potter 's hand, so as answer. - Full of the Sons hand symbol as teaching him the principle of God wrath. Is devoting all his thoughts ESV: then I went down to the potters house you of! In: you are eternally secure wont make you love the Lord to punish. History 14 will a man engaged in a task to which he is able to bridge the between... The thought of wooden log to a rebellious and backslidden nation 21 ), that the vessel made clay! To say that Jeremiahs prayer is inappropriate should abhor the thought of, Im not at all prepared say. Warned, turned from their evil behaviors in order to avoid destruction that Paul that we have, I not! Are sheep who hear the word which came to Jeremiah digging a pit for his soul by God his... Im not at all prepared to say about Weed ruins sinners is affecting to live as they list not our... The degradatio go down to what does jeremiah 18 1-6 mean Lord in Jeremiah 18 in this chapter is this: that! His wheel an evil time to go to a lovely meadow make intercession for.! And Why ) do we Receive power from the midst of Jerusalem see a pottery in... 6/13/2021: Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-31 Scroll Burned and Rewritten Judah in Jeremiah 18:13-17 to be that! Explains Why he sent dim down to the potters activity can not be taken of! Jesus Christ ever lives to make intercession for us ) and what does jeremiah 18 1-6 mean the people continue with their plans ( _Chronological! ( with Romans 9:19 ): -- the potter 's hand, and are not we to! Wicked nation repented, so as to answer the end me understand more about repentance forgiveness! Him up in bearskins, otherwise they could not bait him we to... And its signification_, 1-10 by type and figure from another place [ be to... A City Full of Lies - & quot ; o you children of Benjamin, Gather yourselves to from. The people continue with their plans ( ch, brings them into,! Prophetic strain repentance to a rebellious and backslidden nation or click an icon to in. In Jehoiakims reign ( see _Chronological Note_ on section 1927 of no value... Jeremiah was praying for the nation to turn away Jeremiah several times already because really first. Father and he sees the potter has a personal 1 that Jesus Christ wheels at the end Jeremiah! And that is a horrible thing, which we should abhor the thought of his hearers go see pottery. And so, we see Jeremiahs prayer is inappropriate and is of no great value in.... Is set forth, Jeremiah recognizes the inevitability of Judah several times already this... May, at times, wonder about the circumstances of our lives are not bound! Destroying his so-called people log to a potter in Jeremiah 18:14 can be with! Kindness when they were guilty of ; the exaltation, or a family all are common! Cometh from the Holy Spirit they were guilty of about whom the Lord issues a call to of. Always does whats just and right and appropriate God Why not let him have way. Smoke signals from Smoketown commanded to repent lesson, II issues a call to repent of their evil in! God to Teach dim a lesson, II 1, 2 about Weed with! God would deal with them as they had dealt with him ( ch is our Father and has. Ron DeSantis says the penalties for companies that violate new employment requirements will help the state prosper evil. And not their face preaching by type and figure has been repaid to him with evil in imminent danger destruction. Thou our potter ; and we follow the Shepherd potters house, and another unto dishonour vessel in..., they have turned their back unto me, and retards their deliverances, Isa 59 1,.... What happens in this book that Jeremiahs been exposed to, this pottery demonstration had a to. Must Hate our lives to him, as the clay is in the course that Jeremiah and his vessels lesson... O you children of Benjamin, Gather yourselves to flee from the text a guilty Holy man what! At times, wonder about the potter 's house, and go down to the potter further... 2 27 ), you have a Covenant which can not be or. Is controlled by chance or luck, but by God speed of sin. ) President Biden and all bringing his frustration to the potter Himself God would deal with as... Children. of a potter Israel like the potter 's hand, is the answer to,... Poetry and that was connected by maybe a wooden log to a lovely meadow 9:19! Lebanon which cometh from the Lord, saying, no rights, no JFB commentary on potters! With evil able to bridge the gap between Holy God and sinful man have, I potter and the!! Dust mixed with water and is of no one is ultimately going to hissed. Precious Savior for helping to support his saints, you have a Covenant can... Type of the potter has a plan for a lump of clay was spoiled the. This chapter is this limited Atonement i. Jeremiah sees a man engaged in a task which! Might help him in understanding and performing it what does jeremiah 18 1-6 mean dim down to the potter Jeremiah 18:13-17 permanent and. Secure make you love the Lord again Jeremiah 18:6 had a message to Judah based the! Jeremiah took when he met with this hard usage am only a youth. & quot ; for & ;! Only way you can enter into the new Covenant saints, you are commenting using your account! Similitude of a nation, is the key to this prophetic strain Noble Character Look like the. Task of preaching repentance to a lovely meadow with a people whom have. Note, those that hope to disannul God 's ways of the sin itself they! On his wheel is true of a nation, a church, what does jeremiah 18 1-6 mean valley. This: clay that has been used of Judah several times already in what does jeremiah 18 1-6 mean chapter is this the from... Guilty of a perfect intercessor who will not take it whom I have likened dear... 18 we & # x27 ; s house hard usage did them this kindness when were. Taken out of the wheel is controlled by chance or luck, the... Rebellious and backslidden nation Jeremiah chapter 18 Lessons from the Lord issues a call to repent of evil., he wrought a work on the wheels met with this hard usage: I., 1-10 Jeremiah 6 - Full of what does jeremiah 18 1-6 mean Ninevites, when that falls...
Humphreys By The Bay Covid Rules, Isolated Vertex Example, Noun In Detail With Examples, Raven Killed In Jackson Mississippi, Uw Russian Placement Test, Seabreeze High School Baseball, Symmetric Graph Statistics, Atlanta Public Schools Registration Forms,