ירמיהו, פרק ט״ו, פסוק ט״ו

From the depths of distress and persecution, an urgent and personal plea arises for justice and protection. The prophet has sacrificed his well-being for his divine mission, and he turns to God, who intimately knows the suffering inflicted upon him by the people of Anathoth and their harsh reactions to his rebukes [מצודת דוד, רד"ק, שטיינזלץ]. He asks God not merely to keep him in mind, but to take concrete action. While remembering is a state of awareness, the prophet seeks active providence that leads to practical intervention [מצודת ציון, מלבי"ם].

He demands swift justice against those who pursue him. The primary approach among commentators is that the prophet is asking God to withhold His usual patience and tolerance toward the wicked. Instead of waiting, God should act quickly to avenge the prophet's cause. Adding to this, some explain that even if God chooses to be patient regarding the nation's sins against Him, He should not extend that same patience to those harming the prophet, nor should He use the prophet's suffering as an atonement for the sins of the generation [מלבי"ם]. Alternatively, others understand this request in a more personal light: if God does decide to be patient with the wicked, the prophet asks that God spare his life long enough so that he may eventually witness the justice served [רד"ק].

The prophet justifies his plea by pointing out the heavy burden of shame he is forced to endure [רש"י, מצודת ציון]. He emphasizes that this disgrace is suffered entirely for God's sake [רש"י], asking Him to recognize that the humiliation is solely a result of speaking in His name [מצודת דוד]. Furthermore, when the wicked humiliate the prophet and reject his message, they are essentially insulting God Himself, thereby compounding their own guilt. Consequently, God must demonstrate to the wicked that He is fully aware of their actions [רד"ק] and punish them to prevent the desecration of His name [מלבי"ם].