Open English Translation JER Chapter 18

18 Yahweh’s message came to Yirmeyah (Jeremiah) to say, 2 “Get ready and go down to the potter’s house, and I’ll give you my messages there.”

3 So I went down to pottery factory, and wow, he was on his potter’s wheel. 4 However, the container that he was making with his hand on the clay was ruined, so he started again and make it into another container that he was pleased with.

5 Then Yahweh gave me this message: 6 Like that potter, shouldn’t I be able to do what I want with you Israelis? Yahweh declares that you Israelis are in my hand like that clay in the potter’s hand. 7 One time, I might declare to a nation or a kingdom that it will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed. 8 and later on, that nation that I spoke to might turn away from its evil, and then I’ll cancel the destruction that I’d planned for them. 9 Another time, I might declare that a nation or kingdom will be established, or strengthened, 10 however if I see it doing evil and not listening to my voice, then I’ll cancel the good that I’d said I’d do to it. 11 So now, speak to the people of Yehudah including Yerushalem’s residents and tell them that Yahweh says, “Listen, I’m about to devise a plan against you all and prepare calamity for you. Each of you needs to turn back from their evil activities and improve your behaviour and your activities.” 12 However, they’ll say, “Don’t waste your time because we’ll continue with our plans, and each of us will do whatever wicked things that we want!”

13 Because of that, Yahweh says this:

Ask the nations if they’ve ever heard anything like this?

The virgin Yisrael (Israel) has done something extremely horrible.

14 Does the snow in Lebanon ever disappear off its rocky slopes?

Do the cool waters stop flowing?

15 Yet my people have forgotten me.

They offer incense to useless idols

that have made them stumble on the ancient paths

that haven’t had any maintenance.

16 Their land will become a wasteland—forever mocked at.

Everyone who passes by will be appalled

and will wag their heads.

17 I’ll scatter them before their enemies like the east wind from the desert does.

I won’t look at them but will turn my back when their disaster comes.