ירמיהו, פרק כ׳, פסוק י״ח

The prophet experiences a moment of profound despair, questioning the very purpose of his existence and the tragic destiny laid out for him. He wonders why he was born into a reality filled with such severe hardship. He feels as though the arrows of a bitter fate were already aimed at him while he was still in his mother's womb, ensuring that his life's only purpose would be to endure endless troubles [מלבי״ם]. The message of this lament is so direct and piercing that some commentators note it speaks entirely for itself [רד״ק].

Questioning his entry into the world, the prophet complains about the simple fact of surviving a natural birth, since living only led to his ultimate detriment [מצודת דוד]. It feels to him that the sole reason he was brought into the world was to experience weariness [מצודת ציון] and frustrating, difficult labor [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. While the primary approach among commentators is to view this intense sorrow as a reflection of the prophet's personal suffering and daily struggles, a broader historical and national perspective is also offered. From this viewpoint, the deep grief he was destined to witness is specifically the tragic destruction of the Temple [רש״י].

The tragic reflection concludes with a focus on his final days, which are wasting away into absolute ruin and loss [מצודת ציון]. The prophet feels a deep sadness that his life is ending in public disgrace, as his enemies and the entire world constantly rise against him, mocking and shaming him throughout his life [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].