ירמיהו, פרק א׳, פסוק ט׳

The dedication of Jeremiah to his prophetic mission reaches a miraculous climax when God grants him the power of speech and action by extending a hand [רש"י, מצודת ציון]. Commentators explain this as a prophetic vision where Jeremiah experiences the actual sensation of a hand reaching out and touching his mouth [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Some suggest that this was the hand of an angel appearing to him and acting on God's behalf [רד"ק]. Alternatively, based on the Aramaic translation, this touch is understood not as physical contact, but as a metaphor for the transfer of prophetic messages directly from God to the prophet [רש"י, רד"ק].

The purpose of this contact is to instill deep confidence within the prophet. While prophetic messages are typically received through hearing, in this vision, the experience feels like something tangible is being placed directly inside his mouth. The touch is meant to repair his mouth, enabling him to speak with perfect clarity, proper articulation, and absolute fearlessness [רד"ק]. Through this direct interaction, God makes it clear that the words of prophecy are now permanently entrusted to him, resting right within his mouth [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

On a deeper level, the extending of the hand carries profound significance. The concept of God's hand symbolizes supreme power, strength, and the ability to alter reality. By touching the prophet's mouth, God is not merely providing him with a message to deliver. Instead, He is transferring immense practical power. From this moment forward, the prophet's speech possesses the actual force to change the world around him. His words now hold the power to uproot, smash, and destroy, as well as to build and plant entire nations and kingdoms [מלבי"ם].