ירמיהו, פרק ז׳, פסוק ט״ז

A prophet is traditionally expected to defend and advocate for his people, but God issues an absolute and highly unusual command that strips Jeremiah of this fundamental duty. Instead of pleading for mercy, the prophet is strictly forbidden from making any appeal on behalf of the nation. This extreme prohibition stems from the deep corruption of the people, as entire families have become intentionally immersed together in idol worship [אברבנאל]. Consequently, Jeremiah's role is reduced solely to rebuking the nation at the Temple gates. Even though he is their own flesh and blood, he is barred from praying for them [אברבנאל, מלבי״ם].

The restriction against prayer unfolds in three escalating stages. Beyond the basic command not to pray privately, Jeremiah is also forbidden from raising his voice in a loud cry or vocal plea [רד״ק, מצודת ציון]. While this might appear to be a simple repetition to emphasize the severity of the ban [מצודת דוד], other perspectives point to a public dimension. According to this view, Jeremiah is prohibited from serving as a public prayer leader for the congregation. Even if the people themselves desire to pray, the prophet may not lift his voice in a melody and prayer for the masses to follow and answer [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The final and deepest restriction forbids the prophet from pleading or interceding in any way [מצודת ציון], which blocks the last possible avenue of rescue: an appeal based on his personal merit. Jeremiah cannot beg God to save the nation simply because he is the one asking. Since the people are clearly unworthy of salvation based on their own actions, the prophet is not allowed to use his own righteous standing to intercede on their behalf [מלבי״ם]. To finalize this absolute rejection, God declares that He will not listen. This is not merely a refusal to grant the request, but a complete block on the act of listening itself. God warns that He will seal His ears and refuse to even hear the physical sound of the prophet's voice should he attempt to pray, making it certain that no such plea will ever be answered [מלבי ם באור המילות].