◄ Jeremiah 18:9 ►
And if at another time I announce that I will build up and establish a nation or kingdom,
Study Bible
And if at another time
This phrase suggests the sovereignty and timing of God. The Hebrew word for "time" here is "עֵת" (et), which implies a specific, appointed time. It reflects God's control over history and His ability to intervene at His discretion. This reminds us that God's plans are not bound by human schedules but are executed in His perfect timing. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing, knowing that He sees the bigger picture and orchestrates events according to His divine will.

I announce
The Hebrew word used here is "דָּבַר" (dabar), which means to speak or declare. This highlights the power and authority of God's word. When God announces something, it is not merely a suggestion but a declaration that carries the weight of divine authority. This emphasizes the importance of listening to God's word and recognizing its power to bring about change and transformation. It reassures believers that God's promises are sure and will come to pass.

that I will build up
The phrase "build up" comes from the Hebrew word "בָּנָה" (banah), which means to construct or establish. This conveys the idea of God actively working to strengthen and develop a nation or kingdom. It reflects God's creative power and His ability to bring growth and prosperity. For believers, this is a reminder of God's role as the ultimate builder and sustainer, who can take what is broken and make it whole, and who can bring about growth and flourishing in His people.

and establish
The Hebrew word "נָטַע" (nata) is used here, meaning to plant or firmly set. This suggests a sense of permanence and stability. When God establishes something, it is meant to endure and thrive. This speaks to God's desire for His people to be rooted and grounded in His truth and love. It encourages believers to seek God's establishment in their lives, knowing that what He plants will not be easily uprooted.

a nation or kingdom
The terms "nation" and "kingdom" refer to organized groups of people under a unified government or leadership. In the biblical context, these terms often refer to Israel or other nations surrounding it. This highlights God's authority over all nations and His ability to raise up or bring down kingdoms according to His purposes. It serves as a reminder that no nation is beyond God's reach and that He is the ultimate ruler over all the earth. For believers, it is a call to recognize God's sovereignty over all human affairs and to trust in His governance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A 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 Creator who communicates His intentions to build up or tear down nations based on their actions and His divine will.

3. Nations/Kingdoms
Refers to any group of people or political entities that God may choose to bless or judge according to His purposes.

4. The Potter's House
Earlier in Jeremiah 18, God uses the imagery of a potter to illustrate His authority over nations, shaping them as He sees fit.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, often the direct audience of Jeremiah's prophecies, facing impending judgment due to their disobedience.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
God has ultimate authority over nations and their destinies. We must recognize His power and submit to His will.

Conditional Promises
God's promises to build up a nation are often conditional upon their obedience and righteousness. Our actions can influence God's blessings.

Repentance and Restoration
Just as God can build up a nation, He can restore individuals who turn back to Him. Repentance is key to experiencing God's favor.

Divine Purpose
Every nation and individual has a role in God's divine plan. We should seek to understand and fulfill our purpose in His kingdom.

Trust in God's Plan
Even when circumstances seem uncertain, trust that God is in control and His plans are for our ultimate good.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations affect your view of current world events?

2. In what ways can you apply the principle of conditional promises in your personal walk with God?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's restoration. How did repentance play a role in that process?

4. How can you actively seek to understand and fulfill your divine purpose in God's kingdom?

5. What steps can you take to trust more fully in God's plan, especially during uncertain times?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 45:9
This verse also uses the potter and clay imagery, emphasizing God's sovereignty over His creation.

Romans 9:21
Paul references the potter and clay to discuss God's authority over nations and individuals, echoing the themes in Jeremiah.

Daniel 2:21
Highlights God's control over the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms, aligning with the message in Jeremiah 18:9.

Proverbs 21:1
Illustrates God's power to direct the hearts of rulers, reinforcing His ability to build up or tear down nations.

Acts 17:26
Paul speaks of God determining the times and boundaries of nations, reflecting His sovereign plan as seen in Jeremiah.
Sermons
A Shattered Life RestoredJeremiah 18:1-10
A Visit to the Potter's HouseH. J. Boris.Jeremiah 18:1-10
Man in the Hands of GodHomilistJeremiah 18:1-10
On the Potter's WheelF. B. Meyer, B. A.Jeremiah 18:1-10
PotteryE. A. Stuart, M. A.Jeremiah 18:1-10
Restored ManhoodJ. D. Jones, M. A.Jeremiah 18:1-10
The Answer is Yes -- and NoJ. Parker, D. D.Jeremiah 18:1-10
The Blessed Parable of the Potter and the ClayS. Conway Jeremiah 18:1-10
The Clay in the Potter's HandD. Young Jeremiah 18:1-10
The Divine PotterJ. Parker, D. D.Jeremiah 18:1-10
The Potter and His ClayF. James.Jeremiah 18:1-10
The Potter and the ClayDean Plumptre.Jeremiah 18:1-10
The Potter and the ClayA.F. Muir Jeremiah 18:1-10
The Potter and the DayJeremiah 18:1-10
The Potter and the DayA. Macleod, D. D.Jeremiah 18:1-10
The Potter's WheelLeighton Parks.Jeremiah 18:1-10
The Relation of the Will to Character and DestinyR. W. Moss.Jeremiah 18:1-10
The Teaching of the PotterD. J. Hamer.Jeremiah 18:1-10
A Never-To-Be-Forgotten Principle of InterpretationS. Conway Jeremiah 18:8-12
People
Jeremiah
Places
Jerusalem, Lebanon, Sirion
Topics
Announce, Anything, Build, Building, Built, Declare, Instant, Kingdom, Moment, Nation, Plant, Planted, Planting, Speak, Whenever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 18:1-10

     5212   arts and crafts

Jeremiah 18:1-12

     6639   election, to salvation

Jeremiah 18:5-10

     5036   mind, of God

Jeremiah 18:5-12

     5917   plans

Jeremiah 18:6-10

     1130   God, sovereignty

Jeremiah 18:7-10

     4029   world, human beings in

Jeremiah 18:8-10

     1075   God, justice of

Jeremiah 18:9-10

     6195   impenitence, results

Library
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
[Sidenote: Role of the sages in Israel's life] In the days of Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jer. xviii. 18; Ezek. vii. 26) three distinct classes of religious teachers were recognized by the people: the prophets, the priests, and the wise men or sages. From their lips and pens have come practically all the writings of the Old Testament. Of these three classes the wise men or sages are far less prominent or well known. They wrote no history of Israel, they preached no public sermons, nor do they appear …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor.
In any wise remember, if conveniently it may be, to send for some godly and religious pastor, not only to pray for thee at thy death--for God in such a case hath promised to hear the prayers of the righteous prophets, and elders of the church (Gen. xx. 7; Jer. xviii. 20; xv. 1; 1 Sam. xii. 19, 23; James v. 14, 15, 16)--but also upon thy unfeigned repentance to declare to thee the absolution of thy sins. For as Christ hath given him a calling to baptize thee unto repentance for the remission of thy …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Hindrances to Mourning
What shall we do to get our heart into this mourning frame? Do two things. Take heed of those things which will stop these channels of mourning; put yourselves upon the use of all means that will help forward holy mourning. Take heed of those things which will stop the current of tears. There are nine hindrances of mourning. 1 The love of sin. The love of sin is like a stone in the pipe which hinders the current of water. The love of sin makes sin taste sweet and this sweetness in sin bewitches the …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians at the Table of the Lord;
COMPRISING I. HIS CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND REASON OF HIS PRACTICE; II. DIFFERENCES ABOUT WATER BAPTISM NO BAR TO COMMUNION; AND III. PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES AND TRUE[1] ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Reader, these are extraordinary productions that will well repay an attentive perusal. It is the confession of faith of a Christian who had suffered nearly twelve years' imprisonment, under persecution for conscience sake. Shut up with his Bible, you have here the result of a prayerful study of those holy …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation. …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Of the Decrees of God.
Eph. i. 11.--"Who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."--Job xxiii. 13. "He is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth." Having spoken something before of God, in his nature and being and properties, we come, in the next place, to consider his glorious majesty, as he stands in some nearer relation to his creatures, the work of his hands. For we must conceive the first rise of all things in the world to be in this self-being, the first conception …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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