Jeremiah 1:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Do not declare, "I am just a child." When the Almighty, the Creator of all, gives His orders, age, limitations in speech, and various shortcomings become irrelevant. I give the instruction, and you suggest my youth as a concern? He urges you not to oppose or offer excuses.

You will approach rulers who offend you, princes, and deceitful prophets who oppose you.

Do not focus on age, for as another prophet has said, "A man's grey hairs are his wisdom" (Prem. 4:9). If it is your desire to proceed, I will support you, and with My assistance, you will accomplish everything: "Open thy mouth, and I will fulfil it" (Ps. 80:11). Do not be concerned about the number of those you will address, whether they stand with you or against you, for I am with you to rescue you, declares the Lord. The Lord saves not by ensuring that the prophet is free from trials and tribulations, for we see that he endured many hardships, but rather by granting the strength to endure all challenges without yielding to adversity.

However, the Lord instructs him not to abandon his task, pointing to his youth, but to carry out the responsibilities that have been given to him.

The Lord provided him with encouragement, granting him the wisdom of a mature and complete individual. He instructed him, "Do not claim, 'I am young,' for you will go to all those whom I send you, and you are to speak whatever I command you."