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738 B
738 B
Should I not be able to act like this potter with you, house of Israel?
"I am allowed to act toward you, house of Israel, like the potter acts toward the clay." Yahweh emphasizes his authority to do as he pleases with Israel.
house of Israel
"kingdom of Israel" or "people of Israel". See Jeremiah 3:18.
this is Yahweh's declaration
"this is what I, Yahweh, have declared". Yahweh speaks of himself to express the certainty of what he declares. See Jeremiah 1:8.
Behold
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important"
Like clay in a potter's hand—that is how you are in my hand
Yahweh compares his being able to remake Israel to the way the potter remakes a lump of clay as he sees fit.