ירמיהו, פרק י״ז, פסוק י״ז

Delivering a divine message often carries a heavy personal cost, especially when the message invites hostility. In a deeply personal plea, the prophet turns to God, asking that his sacred mission not become the source of his own downfall. The primary approach among commentators is that the prophet prays for his calling and the prophecies entrusted to him not to act as an obstacle or a cause of destruction in his life [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. He asks God to prevent him from breaking and falling before the people as a direct result of delivering the prophecy [רד״ק].

This fear of personal collapse is met with a profound declaration of trust. The prophet expresses absolute reliance on God, viewing Him as his ultimate shield and safe haven during times of distress. This trust serves as the foundation for his request: because God has always been his refuge in difficult moments, the prophet asks Him to step in and save him once again [מצודת דוד].

This time of trouble refers specifically to the moments when the prophet’s enemies actively plot and plan harm against him. In the face of these threats, he asks God to continue acting as his shelter and to fulfill His promise of protection, ensuring that he will never break before those who oppose him [רד״ק].