Jeremiah 18:10

10 However, if it does what is evil in My sight by not listening to My voice, I will not bring the good I had said I would do to it.^[a]

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 However, if that nation I have made an announcement about, turns from its evil, I will not bring the disaster on it I had planned.

9 At [another] time I announce that I will build and plant a nation or a kingdom.

10 However, if it does what is evil in My sight by not listening to My voice, I will not bring the good I had said I would do to it.

11 So now, say to the men of Judah and to the residents of Jerusalem: This is what the Lord says: I am about to bring harm to you and make plans against you. Turn now, each from your evil way, and correct your ways and your deeds.

12 But they will say: It's hopeless. We will continue to follow our plans, and each of us will continue to act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart."

Footnotes

• [a] Ezk 18:25-29; 33:12-13