ירמיהו, פרק ט״ו, פסוק כ׳

A divine calling often places a prophet in direct conflict with the very people he is sent to guide. God grants the prophet inner strength and divine protection to face a hostile public, acknowledging the inevitable friction that comes with the role while guaranteeing his survival against fierce opposition.

The primary approach among commentators is that God promises to position the prophet before the nation as a strong and impenetrable force [מצודת ציון]. God assures the prophet that He will keep His initial word and will never disappoint him [רד״ק]. This divine backing is exactly what allows the prophet to stand bravely against an angry mob [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Despite this guarantee of protection, the prophet is not spared from the struggle itself. The people will certainly try to defeat [ביאור שטיינזלץ] and even kill him [רד״ק], but they will ultimately fail. God makes it clear that this conflict will not be brief. As long as the prophet continues to rebuke the nation, the people will fight back with harsh words, physical blows, and deep insults. The prophet is expected to carry this heavy burden and absorb the abuse without backing down, all while continuing his mission to guide them back to the right path. Even if he cannot convince the entire nation to change their ways, his efforts will positively influence at least a few, and God will reward him for his steadfast endurance [רד״ק].

To seal this commitment, God promises two distinct forms of assistance, representing different levels of divine help. While general salvation offers broad protection, the promise of rescue adds a deeper layer of security. It guarantees that even if the prophet finds himself trapped in a situation of actual, immediate danger, God will actively extract him from the threat [מלבי״ם].