ירמיהו, פרק כ״ג, פסוק ל״ז

Seeking guidance from a prophet requires a deep sense of respect and the use of careful, appropriate language. When the people approach a prophet to receive a divine message, they are given specific instructions on how to frame their request [רש״י]. The primary approach among commentators is that the people must completely avoid describing the prophecy as a "burden." Even if the prophetic experience feels heavy or overwhelming, they must never attach a negative meaning to it. Instead, they are expected to treat the message simply and honorably as the word of God [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

To replace this negative language, the people are offered two precise alternatives for addressing the prophet, depending on the context of their visit. If they are waiting for a reply to a specific question they asked earlier, they should ask what God has answered. However, if they have not asked anything and simply want to know if He has shared a new message, they should ask what God has spoken [מצודת דוד].