1 2 sn The word translated “clay” here refers to a clay which has been baked or fired in a kiln. In Jer 18 the clay was still soft and pliable, capable of being formed into different kinds of vessels. Here the clay is set, just as Israel is set in its ways. The word for jar refers probably to a water jug or decanter and is onomatopoeic, baqbuq, referring to the gurgling sound made by pouring out the water. 3 4 sn The civil and religious leaders are referred to here. They were to be witnesses of the symbolic act and of the message that Jeremiah proclaimed to the leaders of Jerusalem and its citizens (see v. 3). 5 6 7 8 sn See the study notes on 2:19 and 7:3 for explanation of this title. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 sn See Jer 7:31-32 for an almost word for word repetition of vv. 5-6. 19 20 21 22 23 24 sn Cannibalism is one of the penalties for disobedience to their covenant with the 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 sn See the study notes on 2:19 and 7:3 for explanation of this title. 35 36