Jeremiah 1: A Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, Chapters 1–25 (Hermeneia Commentary | HERM)

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“The word ‘potter’ is simply the participle יוֹצֵר ‘shaper.’ Since the verb is used often of Yahweh’s creative ability (Gen 2:7*, 8*, and often in the Psalms, for example Ps 94:9*), the analogy easily suggested itself: indeed the same analogy was offered by Isaiah (Isa 29:16*).” (Page 515)

“The prophets, including Jrm, did not so much have in mind a cultless religion as they were insistent that personal and community responsiveness takes priority, and that any cultic act unaccompanied by loyalty and sensitivity was meaningless.” (Page 223)

“The implication here is that the clay deliberately thwarts the purpose of the potter: for the pressure of the clay against the hand of the potter due to centrifugal force, see the comment above under vv 1–11*.” (Pages 515–516)

“Thus Jrm here contrasts the person who is dependent on other human beings with the person who is dependent on Yahweh: the latter brings forth leaves when heat comes, brings forth fruit when drought comes.” (Page 490)

“The potter is not thwarted by any perversity of the clay; the potter is able to change his intention in order to accomplish his ultimate goal, the making of an acceptable vessel.” (Page 516)