ירמיהו, פרק א׳, פסוק ד׳

The first moment of divine revelation marks the starting point of a prophet's mission, while also providing an early answer to the heavy fears he naturally carries. The opening communication acts as an introduction to the prophecies Jeremiah will eventually deliver to the Israelites [מצודת דוד]. It connects directly to the message that follows, where God reveals He had already prepared and chosen Jeremiah for this role before he was even formed in the womb [צאינה וראינה, אברבנאל].

This direct address was intended to relieve the deep anxiety Jeremiah felt about his youth. God knew the young man would hesitate to accept such an enormous responsibility. Naturally, a prophet is expected to have vast knowledge, flawless character, and a life of deep spiritual discipline, all of which typically take years to develop. To resolve this doubt, God clarifies that unlike a regular person who must slowly learn and acquire these traits, Jeremiah's soul had already absorbed this wisdom before his body was formed. At the same time, his physical nature was directed toward holiness before he entered the world, meaning he already held the exact perfection required [אברבנאל].

With this complete preparation, the first divine message appoints the young Jeremiah to serve as a prophet not only to the Israelites but to all the nations. Yet, another approach suggests that the mission to the nations actually refers to the Israelites themselves, specifically during periods when their behavior imitates that of the surrounding world [אברבנאל].