Jeremiah 18:10

10 but if it should do evil in my sight, not hearing my voice, then I will repent of the good that I had determined to do unto them.

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 But if these Gentiles shall turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.

9 And in an instant I shall speak concerning the nation and concerning the kingdom, to build and to plant it;

10 but if it should do evil in my sight, not hearing my voice, then I will repent of the good that I had determined to do unto them.

11 Now therefore, speak to every man of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus hath the LORD said: Behold, I ordain evil against you and devise plans against you; return ye now each one from his evil way, and better your ways and your doings.

12 And they said, This is useless, for we must walk after our own devices, and we must each one do the imagination of his evil heart.