1. Jérémie 18:11 (NEG79)
  2. Explication du texte

Why is the Lord shaping disaster against Judah?

Jérémie 18:11 (NEG79)

11 Parle maintenant aux hommes de Juda et aux habitants de Jérusalem, et dis:Ainsi parle l'Eternel: Voici, je prépare contre vous un malheur, Je médite un projet contre vous. Que chacun revienne de sa mauvaise voie, Réformez vos voies et vos œuvres!

The expression so now translated from the Hebrew atta occurs frequently in the Old Testament where it introduces the conclusion to an argument (see Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 4:1).1. The argument set out by observing the potter and the explanation that followed in Jeremiah 18:7–10 was all aimed at the generation living in Judah and Jerusalem. The Lord is ”shaping disaster” and devising a plan against them. This can only change if they change their ways. In its current form the clay cannot be formed by the potter for its intended good purpose. The people need to turn, everyone, from his evil way, and amend your ways and your deeds. Only then can the potter use the clay for his good purposes. Once again, this must not be understood as the Lord somehow being restricted in his purposes by Judah’s rebellion. The potter will patiently remold the clay until it is exactly as he intended it to be. One of the ways this remolding is achieved is through the touch of his warnings. Ultimately, the Lord’s remolding of Judah will be achieved through the New Covenant that he will bring about (Jeremiah 31:31–34).