View Jeremiah 18 in the note window.
By the parable of a potter, God's absolute power and disposal of
nations is set forth, ver. 1 - 10.
Judah's unparalleled revolt: and her judgments, ver. 11 - 17.
The prophet prays against his conspirators, ver. 18 - 23.
6: Cannot I do - That God hath an absolute sovereign power to do what
he pleases with the work of his hands: but he acts as a just judge,
rendering to every man according to his works.
14: Of Lebanon - Lebanon had rocks, and also fruitful valleys;
snow fell upon these rocks, and upon a thaw ran down into the lower places.
Reason teaches men not to forsake a greater good for a less, tho' that
greater good was but a poor creature comfort, not to be compared with God.
15: Vanity - Idols. Ancient paths - The ways wherein Noah,
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the ancient patriarchs walked.
To walk - In a way not cast up, not fit for God's people to walk in.
16: Desolate - Not that this was the end they aimed at, but it was
the end these courses would certainly issue in.
17: East wind - The east wind was in those parts the fiercest wind.
As the east - wind scatters the chaff, so saith God, I will scatter them.
In their calamity - And when they shall be in great calamity, I will turn
my back upon them, I will not regard their prayers.
18: For - We have the church on our side; the regular priests and
the prophets, they know God's mind as well as he. Let us smite him with
the tongue - Expose him, representing him to be what the people hate.
21: Therefore - But is it lawful for God's servants to pray for evil
against their enemies? It is not lawful for Christians. It is doubtless
our duty, to pray for the conversion, forgiveness, and eternal salvation
of our worst enemies.
