What does the verse bewail?
Rashi: Yeshayah prophesized that Chabakuk will complain about the length of Nebuchadnetzar's success - "va'Ta'aseh Adam ki'Dgei ha'Yam" (Chabakuk 1:14). Hashem asked Yeshayah, why does he quarrel with Me? Does he think that I am not mindful to save My nation when will be fulfilled "Tirtzeh ha'Aretz Es Shabsoseha 1 " (Vayikra 26:34).
Radak: This refers to Melech Bavel, who became haughty against Kel, and took out the Kelim of the Beis ha'Mikdash to drink from them. The verse gives a metaphor - will the substance quarrel with the one who formed it, and say 'what do you do? I know more than you!'
Malbim: Granted, a physical world must have Chisaron. If not, it would not be physical! However, why wasn't man made higher? Refer to 45:9:3:1.
Rashi (Vayikra 26:35): Galus Bavel will be 70 years, corresponding to 70 years of Shemitah and Yovel that were not observed in the 436 years that Yisrael sinned before the first Churban.
What is the meaning of "Cheres Es Charsei Adamah"?
Radak: This king is earthenware. He is considered with shards of earth. Like a potter's Kli, he will be smashed quickly - "Be b'Leilya Ketil Belshatzar Malka" (Daniel 5:30).
What is the significance of substance telling the one who formed it 'what do you do?'
Malbim: This answers why man was not made higher. Will earthenware tell the potter 'why did you make me of Cheres, and not of gold?' The answer is, this is obvious. The substance is Cheres, and not gold! Also refer to 45:9:4:3.
What is the meaning of "Ein Yadayim Lo"?
Rashi: There is no place for it.
Radak: It thinks that hands did not make it.
Malbim: Will a Kli tell the potter 'why did you not make me a Kli that moves, with hands to feel?' Obviously, it is not proper to have hands and feet, like animals! Likewise, you cannot ask why man was not made in a way that he will never cease. His substance is not prepared for eternity!
