given him. After all, ancient biblical society privileged the elder, not youth. No matter what his age, however, God urges him to act and promises to be with him. In his weakness, God will make him strong. In God’s economy, it is not one’s inherent strength, abilities, or credentials that count, but rather God’s presence. For that reason, Jeremiah is not to be afraid to go to the people with God’s message. Indeed, in the light of the divine command (“you must go” v. 7), he should only be afraid of
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