ירמיהו, פרק כ׳, פסוק ז׳

Carrying the heavy burden of a prophetic mission can lead to profound personal suffering. Out of deep pain following physical beatings and torment, Jeremiah pours out his frustration over the social isolation he faces due to his prophecies of doom. He emphasizes that he did not choose this destiny willingly but was compelled to accept it, meaning the people have no right to blame him for his harsh messages [חומת אנך, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Although his outcry sounds like a severe accusation directed at God, it is not considered a sin. His words stem from a place of intense personal sorrow rather than intentional defiance [רד״ק].

Reflecting on the beginning of his journey, Jeremiah describes how God persuaded and enticed him to take on the mission, an offer he ultimately accepted [רש״י, מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Initially, he tried to evade the responsibility, arguing that he was merely a youth and fearing the ridicule he would inevitably face. However, God convinced him to set aside his youthfulness [רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. Jeremiah notes that God ultimately overpowered him, achieving victory over his hesitations [מצודת ציון, רש״י]. Commentators present different perspectives on how God applied this force to secure his commitment. One approach suggests that God forced the prophecy upon him entirely against his will using a heavy hand [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Conversely, others explain that God overpowered him through powerful words of encouragement, assuring him not to fear the people. By winning the argument, God led him to accept the calling [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, מלבי״ם].

Once he agreed to the mission, his deepest fears materialized. He finds himself entirely alone against the entire nation of Israel, with every single person mocking him without exception [רש״י, רד״ק]. The public dismisses him either because his prophecies do not materialize immediately [ביאור שטיינזלץ], or because they suspect he is inventing these warnings of destruction from his own imagination rather than speaking on behalf of God [מלבי״ם]. The humiliation he endures is multifaceted. On one level, he is treated as a passing joke, enduring the kind of laughter that might happen when someone accidentally trips. However, the abuse goes much further into absolute mockery, reflecting a deep, malicious contempt and total disrespect from the people he is trying to warn [מלבי״ם].