Jeremiah:18

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* Verse 1-10 - While Jeremiah looks upon 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 dispose of 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 goes by fixed rules of justice and goodness . When God is coming against us in judgments , we may be sure it is for our sins ; but sincere conversion from the evil of sin will prevent the evil of punishment , as to persons , and to families , and nations . * Verse 11-17 - Sinners call it liberty to live at large ; whereas for a man to be a slave to his lusts , is the very worst slavery . They forsook God for idols . When men are parched with heat , and meet with cooling , refreshing streams , they use them . In these things men will not leave a certainty for an uncertainty ; but Israel left the ancient paths appointed by the Divine law . They walked not in the highway , in which they might travel safely , but in a way in which they must stumble : such was the way of idolatry , and such is the way of iniquity . This made their land desolate , and themselves miserable . Calamities may be borne , if God smile upon us when under them ; but if he is displeased , and refuses his help , we are undone . Multitudes forget the Lord and his Christ , and wander from the ancient paths , to walk in ways of their own devising . But what will they do in the day of judgment ! * Verse 18-23 - When the prophet called to repentance , instead of obeying the call , the people devised devices against him . Thus 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 . But the prophet had done his duty to them ; and the same will be our rejoicing in a day of evil . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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