ירמיהו, פרק ל״ד, פסוק ב׳

A harsh and uncompromising message is handed down to Jeremiah, intended for the leadership of Judah. Unlike the previous Babylonian conquest, where Nebuchadnezzar was satisfied with exiling a portion of the population and replacing the government, this time all hope is lost. The city is doomed to total destruction and fire, and the prophet is tasked with delivering this bleak reality directly to the king [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The specific instruction given to the prophet features a noticeable repetition, which prompts different understandings of exactly how Jeremiah was supposed to deliver this heavy news. One approach suggests that the double command emphasizes a deeply personal and secretive delivery. According to this view, Jeremiah was instructed to share the prophecy with the king in absolute privacy, without anyone else present [מצודת דוד].

In contrast, another perspective argues that the repetition indicates a command to broadcast the prophecy repeatedly and publicly. In this scenario, Jeremiah was required to announce the impending destruction not only to the king but also to the general public. This public warning about the coming war is what ultimately angered Zedekiah and led to Jeremiah's imprisonment. Had the prophet delivered the message behind closed doors, the king, who frequently sought guidance from God, would likely not have reacted with such intense fury [מלבי״ם].