NOTES for Jer 20:1-18

Before us is an important testimony the prophet gives about himself, through which we can gain some sense of how he experiences his ministry from within and what a prophet overwhelmed by revelation goes through. We see that Jeremiah does not say what he would like to say; the words that come to him mysteriously do not always correspond to how his human understanding interprets the situation. But he is unable to restrain the flood of revelation, and even when Jeremiah tries to remain silent, the prophecy proves stronger than familiar conventions and breaks them more forcefully than the mightiest typhoon can shatter dams that had seemed solid.

But faithfulness to the Lord and readiness to become His mouth give the prophet authority. Not the authority possessed by earthly kings and other rulers, but the authority that makes it possible to remain inwardly free even in chains. Yes, Jeremiah speaks with authority, even if no one among the people acknowledges it. The very fact that after his release Jeremiah gives a new name to the priest who punished him is a sign of authority, for the right to give a name belonged to the master. Yet this authority is not human in character; it is the consequence of sharing in the Source of truth.