and if it does evil in My sight and does not listen to My voice, then I will relent of the good I had intended for it. and if it does evilThe phrase "does evil" in Hebrew is "עָשָׂה רַע" (asah ra). The word "asah" means to do or to make, indicating an active choice or action. "Ra" means evil or wickedness, suggesting a moral deviation from God's standards. In the context of ancient Israel, this phrase underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience was expected, and deviation was considered a breach of that covenant. The historical context reveals that Israel often struggled with idolatry and injustice, which were seen as doing evil in God's sight. in My sight by not obeying My voice then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. 2. God The sovereign Lord who communicates His will and intentions through His prophets. 3. The Nation of Israel The primary audience of Jeremiah's prophecies, representing God's chosen people who are often warned about their disobedience. 4. The Potter's House The setting for the object lesson in Jeremiah 18, where God illustrates His sovereignty over nations and individuals. 5. The Covenant The agreement between God and Israel, which includes blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and Human ResponsibilityGod is sovereign and has the authority to shape nations and individuals according to His will. However, human response to His voice plays a crucial role in determining the outcome. The Conditional Nature of God's Promises God's promises of good are often conditional upon obedience. Disobedience can lead to the withdrawal of intended blessings. The Importance of Obedience Obedience to God's voice is crucial for receiving His blessings. Disobedience not only forfeits blessings but can also invite judgment. Repentance and Divine Relenting Genuine repentance can lead to God relenting from intended judgment. This highlights God's mercy and willingness to forgive. The Role of Prophets Prophets like Jeremiah serve as God's messengers, calling people to repentance and warning them of the consequences of disobedience. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of the potter and clay in Jeremiah 18 help us understand God's sovereignty over our lives?2. In what ways does Jeremiah 18:10 challenge us to examine our own obedience to God's voice? 3. How can the account of Nineveh in Jonah 3 inspire us to seek repentance and transformation in our communities? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are living in obedience to God's commands as outlined in Deuteronomy 28? 5. How does understanding the conditional nature of God's promises affect our relationship with Him and our daily decision-making? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 28This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, echoing the conditional nature of God's promises seen in Jeremiah 18:10. Jonah 3 The account of Nineveh's repentance and God's relenting from disaster parallels the conditional aspect of God's intentions based on human response. 2 Chronicles 7:14 This verse emphasizes the importance of humility, prayer, and turning from wicked ways to receive God's favor, similar to the message in Jeremiah 18. Romans 9:21 Paul uses the potter and clay analogy to discuss God's sovereignty, reflecting the imagery in Jeremiah 18. Ezekiel 18:21-32 This passage discusses God's desire for repentance and life rather than punishment, aligning with the themes of Jeremiah 18. People JeremiahPlaces Jerusalem, Lebanon, SirionTopics Benefit, Better, Bless, Changed, Evil, Hearken, Intended, Listening, Minute, Obey, Obeying, Orders, Promised, Purpose, Reconsider, Repent, Repented, Sight, Spoken, Voice, WherewithDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 18:1-10Library The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished. "Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." This is predicated of the judgments of God on those who had shed the blood of his saints. The Savior declares that all the righteous blood which had been shed on the earth from that of Abel down to the gospel day, should come on that generation! But is not this unreasonable and contrary to the Scriptures? "Far be wickedness from God and iniquity from the Almighty. For the work of man shall be render unto him, and cause every … Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor. The Hindrances to Mourning The Ninth Commandment John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord; Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed. Of the Decrees of God. Degrees of Sin Jeremiah Links Jeremiah 18:10 NIVJeremiah 18:10 NLT Jeremiah 18:10 ESV Jeremiah 18:10 NASB Jeremiah 18:10 KJV Jeremiah 18:10 Commentaries Bible Hub |