Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 1 - Verse 9
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the prophet recounts a powerful encounter with the LORD where he felt the divine touch upon his physical being. The act of the LORD putting forth his hand and touching Jeremiah's mouth symbolizes the impartation of spiritual authority and power to speak on behalf of God. By declaring that he has put his words in Jeremiah's mouth, the LORD is commissioning him to be his spokesperson, to proclaim the messages and teachings revealed by God to the people. This divine act signifies the importance of the spoken word in conveying the will and message of the LORD to humanity. It highlights the sacred nature of the prophetic calling and the responsibility that comes with being entrusted with divine revelations. As readers, we are invited to reflect on the significance of allowing ourselves to be vessels for God's word, to speak truth and bring about transformation in the world.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, we see a powerful imagery of God's intimate involvement in the prophet's ministry. The act of the Lord putting forth his hand to touch Jeremiah's mouth symbolizes a divine impartation of the words that Jeremiah would speak. This touch is a representation of God's authority and commissioning of Jeremiah as his mouthpiece to deliver His message to the people. The words put in Jeremiah's mouth are not his own, but the very words of God. This highlights the divine inspiration behind Jeremiah's prophecies, emphasizing the direct communication between God and his chosen messenger. The touching of the mouth also signifies a purification and sanctification of Jeremiah's speech, ensuring that his words are solely guided by God's wisdom and truth. Through this act, God demonstrates that He will equip and empower Jeremiah to boldly proclaim His message with confidence and authority.