assignment is to speak in behalf of another. Jeremiah obviously understands speaking to be part of a prophet’s function, for he at once objects: I do not know how to speak (v. 6). While prophets such as Samuel and Elijah were called to speak to Israel, Jeremiah’s commission is to involve him with nations. So it later proved (25:15; 36:2; 46–51). [Prophet.] Is this call to prominence as God’s spokesperson eagerly accepted? Not at all. Jeremiah exclaims, “Oh no!” He calls attention to his age: he is