4 Now the word of the Lord came to me saying , 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born e I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations ." 6 Then I said , "Alas , Lord [1]GOD ! Behold , I do not know how to speak , Because I am a youth ." 7 But the Lord said to me, "Do not say , 'I am a youth ,' Because everywhere e e I send you, you shall go , And all that I command you, you shall speak . 8 " Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you," declares the Lord . 9 Then the Lord stretched out His hand and touched my mouth , and the Lord said to me, "Behold , I have put My words in your mouth .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:4-9
Commentary on Jeremiah 1:1-10
(Read Jeremiah 1:1-10)
Jeremiah's early call to the work and office of a prophet is stated. He was to be a prophet, not to the Jews only, but to the neighbouring nations. He is still a prophet to the whole world, and it would be well if they would attend to these warnings. The Lord who formed us, knows for what particular services and purposes he intended us. But unless he sanctify us by his new-creating Spirit, we shall neither be fit for his holy service on earth, nor his holy happiness in heaven. It becomes us to have low thoughts of ourselves. Those who are young, should consider that they are so, and not venture beyond their powers. But though a sense of our own weakness and insufficiency should make us go humbly about our work, it should not make us draw back when God calls us. Those who have messages to deliver from God, must not fear the face of man. The Lord, by a sign, gave Jeremiah such a gift as was necessary. God's message should be delivered in his own words. Whatever wordly wise men or politicians may think, the safety of kingdoms is decided according to the purpose and word of God.