Jeremiah 18:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 18:1-10

The prophet is here sent to the potter's house (he knew where to find it), not to preach a sermon as before to the gates of Jerusalem, but to prepare a sermon, or rather to receive it ready prepared. Those needed not to study their sermons that had them, as he had this, by immediate inspiration. ?Go to the potter's house, and observe how he manages his work, and there I will cause thee, by silent whispers, to hear my words. There thou shalt receive a message, to be delivered to the people.?... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 18:4

And the vessel that he made of clay ,.... Which is the matter the vessel is made of: was marred in the hand of the potter ; while he was working it; either it fell, as the Septuagint version renders it, out of his hands, or from the beam on which it was laid; or was spoiled by some means or other, so that it was not fit for the purpose he first intended it: or the words should be read, according to some copies, "and the vessel was marred which he made, as clay in the hand of the potter" ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 18:4

The vessel - was marred in the hands of the potter - It did not stand in the working; it got out of shape; or some gravel or small stone having been incorporated with the mass of clay, made a breach in that part where it was found, so that the potter was obliged to knead up the clay afresh, place it on the wheel, and form it anew; and then it was such a vessel as seemed good to the potter to make it. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 18:4

Verse 4 He then relates what had been enjoined him, that he descended into the potter’s house; and then he relates what he saw there — that when the potter formed a vessel it was marred, and that he then made another vessel from the same clay, and, as it seems, one of a different form; for there is a peculiar emphasis in these words,as it seemed right in his eyes. The application is afterwards added — cannot I, as the potter, change you, O house of Israel? Doubtless, ye are in my hand as the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:1-6

The simple and familiar craft of the potter becomes a parable of religious truth (comp. Isaiah 29:16 ; Isaiah 45:9 ; Isaiah 64:8 ; Ecclesiasticus 33:13; Romans 9:20 ; and the account of man's creation in Genesis 2:7 , which has doubtless given rise to the figure). God has the sovereign right to do as he wills with his own handiwork; thus much can be expressed by the figure. But the moral element in Jeremiah's teaching stands outside this, viz . that the Divine action is governed,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:1-6

The potter and the day. The relations of the potter to his clay afford a familiar and apt illustration of the relations between God and his human family. At first sight this illustration suggests a harsh view of providence and a hopeless prospect for human endeavor. But on closer consideration, while it teaches lessons of humility and reverent submission on our part, it also throws light on the merciful goodness of God, and encourages us both to hope and to act for that which will lead to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:1-10

The potter and the clay. The revelations of God are often given in unlikely places, and common circumstances and scenes may symbolize the divinest mysteries. The profoundest things in God's universe are side by side with the simplest. If the mind be open and the spirit susceptible we shall see God in everything. Is there not a fitness in this ancient handicraft of the potter becoming the symbol of the eternal action of God? The potter's clay suggests— I. THE INFLUENCE OF GOD ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:1-10

The blessed parable of the potter and the clay. Few passages of Scripture have been more misread or with sadder results than this one. From St. Paul s reference to it in Romans 9:1-33 it has been thought that it taught the absolute sovereignty of God, his right to dispose of men as he pleases; that, in the exercise of that sovereignty, he makes some vessels unto destruction, and that the vessels so made have no ground of complaint whatsoever. Now, we affirm that, whilst there is much... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:1-10

The clay in the potter's hand. I. THE PURPOSE OF THIS PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATION . It is a practical illustration in the most suggestive sense of the word "practical." Jeremiah had not to go out of his way to produce a sufficiently impressive figure of what God was about to do. He had to go through a very peculiar and protracted experience to bring out the lesson of the marred girdle. But here he has only to go down to the potter at his wheel, a thing he could do at any time; and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 18:1-10

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 18:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 18:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 18:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:1-6

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:1-6

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:1-10

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:1-10

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:1-10

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 18:1-23

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