ירמיהו, פרק א׳, פסוק י״ז

A prophet receives an urgent and firm instruction to set out on his mission without delay or hesitation. He acts as a messenger of a court, sent to warn the people just before cruel judges and disaster arrive. This heavy responsibility demands rare courage and absolute faith in God's protection.

To prepare for the task, he must ready himself for immediate action, much like a soldier preparing for the physical demands of battle [רש"י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת ציון]. He cannot wait for the people to approach him; instead, he must act with speed, rise up, and go directly to them [רד"ק, מלבי"ם].

When he stands before the nation, he must deliver his message fully, without omitting a single detail [מלבי"ם]. He is strictly bound to share only the direct commands of God, without mixing in the decrees of kings, the wisdom of sages, or the words of other prophets [מלבי"ם].

The mission concludes with a clear spiritual equation balancing trust against fear. The prophet is warned never to shrink back, show fear, or flatter the people [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. If he gathers his courage and trusts completely in God, he will receive full protection and the ability to stand strong against his opponents [רד"ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ, צאינה וראינה]. However, if he surrenders to his fears, the consequence will be exact and severe. God Himself will break him and cause him to fall before the very people he fears, allowing them to cause him harm [רד"ק, מצודת דוד, מלבי"ם].