5. The Lord spoke his word to me. The Lord asked,
6. “Nation of Israel, can’t I do with you as this potter does with clay? Nation of Israel, you are like the clay in the potter’s hands.
7. “At one time I may threaten to tear up, break down, and destroy a nation or a kingdom.
8. But suppose the nation that I threatened turns away from doing wrong. Then I will change my plans about the disaster I planned to do to it.
9. “At another time I may promise to build and plant a nation or a kingdom.