There is no change of purpose with the divine "potter", but there is a change of mind and disposition towards the "clay lumps," individual and national, according as they change their mind and disposition towards the "potter." This is the apostolic argument in the epistle to the Romans (c. 9), and satisfactorily explains the existence of evil, and the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, of which Paul speaks in this place: "For the scriptures saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth."

C.C. Walker, The Ministry of the Prophets: Jeremiah, page 83