Jeremiah 18:10

10 and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will repent of the good which I had intended to do to it.

Jeremiah 18:10 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 18:10

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.

Jeremiah 18:10 In-Context

8 and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will repent of the evil that I intended to do to it.

9 And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it,

10 and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will repent of the good which I had intended to do to it.

11 Now, therefore, say to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: 'Thus says the LORD, Behold, I am shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Return, every one from his evil way, and amend your ways and your doings.'

12 "But they say, 'That is in vain! We will follow our own plans, and will every one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.'