Wednesday, January 22 – Jeremiah 18, 19 – Additional Reading: Prophets and Kings, Chapter 34, “Jeremiah”
Study Questions:
1. What illustration did God use in Jeremiah 18 to communicate His message? (Jeremiah 18:1-4)
2. What illustration did God use in Jeremiah 19 to communicate His message? (Jeremiah 19:1, 2, 10)
Commentary and Reflection:
The messages in Jeremiah are not presented in chronological order. The book contains numerous warnings and promises God delivers to His people on different occasions. In chapters 18 and 19, God uses two powerful illustrations to convey His message clearly and understandably, drawing from everyday life. Just as Jesus used parables in His teaching, God ensures His message is relatable and vivid.
The parable of the potter illustrates God’s sovereignty. A potter can shape clay into any vessel he desires and reshape it if necessary (Jer. 18:1-4). Just as the potter determines the vessel’s purpose, God determines the destinies of nations. God can relent from punishment if a nation repents after being warned of impending judgment. Conversely, if a nation rebels after being promised blessings, those blessings can be withdrawn (Jer. 18:7-10).
Jeremiah assures Judah that they can be saved from destruction if they repent and return to God. However, Judah refuses to change its ways, stubbornly continuing in rebellion (Jer. 18:11-12).
The Adventist Bible Commentary notes regarding the ancient paths mentioned in verse 15:
“The same as “their ways” just mentioned (“from” is not in the Hebrew), referring to the time-honored faith of the patriarchs (see on ch. 6:16). Leaving the broad “paths,” or ways, to walk in the smaller side “paths” (different in Hebrew from the first “paths”), how could Judah expect to do otherwise than “stumble”?” (SDABC, Jeremiah 18:15).
“The same as “their ways” just mentioned (“from” is not in the Hebrew), referring to the time-honored faith of the patriarchs (see on ch. 6:16). Leaving the broad “paths,” or ways, to walk in the smaller side “paths” (different in Hebrew from the first “paths”), how could Judah expect to do otherwise than “stumble”?” (SDABC, Jeremiah 18:15).
Jeremiah again faces opposition from the people. They are displeased with his warnings and believe they are justified because they participate in temple ceremonies and know priests and prophets. However, their actions testify against them as they conspire to silence Jeremiah with violence and slander.
In his humanity, Jeremiah reacts with mixed emotions. He intercedes for the people, questions God’s actions (Jer. 14:8-9), and later asks God to be relentless against his enemies when his life is threatened (Jer. 18:23). These reactions remind us of our limited understanding and emotional fluctuations. Like Jeremiah, we can be lenient or severe depending on our perspective. Thankfully, God is the ultimate judge, perfectly balancing justice and mercy.
In Jeremiah 19, God uses the illustration of a clay jar. Jeremiah is commanded to take elders, leaders, and priests to the Valley of Hinnom (Topheth) and break a clay jar before them. Topheth was a place of desolation and foul odors used for burning garbage. It was also associated with the horrific practice of child sacrifice.
Jeremiah declares that this valley will be called the “Valley of Slaughter” because of the vast deaths that will occur when the Babylonians invade Judah (Jer. 19:6-7). Breaking the jar symbolizes that if Judah does not repent, Jerusalem will become like Topheth—broken, desolate, and irreparable (Jer. 19:12-13).
The dramatic conclusion of this message is found in verses 14-15: “Then Jeremiah came from Topheth, where the Lord had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the Lord’s house and said to all the people: ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Behold, I will bring on this city and on all her towns all the doom that I have pronounced against it because they have stiffened their necks that they might not hear My words.’” (Jer. 19:14-15)
Despite his fears and sorrows, Jeremiah displayed courage and trust in God. He remained faithful to deliver God’s message, whether unpopular or dangerous.
Let us decide to be like soft clay in the hands of the Divine Potter, moldable and willing to be shaped according to His purpose, rather than hardened vessels that, once broken, cannot be repaired. May we remain sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit and obedient to God’s will.
May you have a blessed day!
Pastor Abel Paulin