Two Leaders, Destined for Greatness

This week we have started learning about a new prophet, Yirmiahu. He prophesized during the times of Yishayahu and Yehoakim and until the end of Tzidkiahu's rule (the final exile). His mission was to tell the people what did they did wrong but they were already past being forgiven. They were to be punished regardless of their future actions. When Yishayahu began to prophesize the people were sacrificing to other gods and worshipping Avodah Zara. A religious revival was beign forced upon them but the people would worship idols regardless of what their king wanted. Yishayahu was meant to tell the people of G-d's judgement of their evil deeds. The introduction to Yirmiahu which we have been learning this week caused me to see come similarities between him and another famous Jewish leader, Moshe Rebeinu.

When G-d first speaks to Yirmiahu, He tells him that even before he was born he was holy and was always meant to be a prophet. He was destined to be a Navi since before birth. Moshe, although was not a navi for the nations like Yishayahu, he was also destined for greatness. Some mefarshim say that when he was born the room lit up. The entire story of Moshe's early life seems incredible and unbelievable. The fact that he was saved when the whole point of Pharoah's decree (to kill the Jewish boys) was to get rid of Moshe. Then Paroah's daughter finds him and some say her arm stretched out to reach him. Yocheved ends up being his wetnurse and Moshe grows up in Pharaoh's palace. This is not the early life of any normal kid. He was obviously someone special. He was able to kill a man by using G-d's special name. This is not normal. When he runs away to Midyan, he notices a fire in a bush. This is the first time G-d speaks to him.

The first time G-d speaks to Yirmiahu, he tells him that he was destined to be a prophet for the nations. Yirmiahu, however, is insecure. He tells G-d that he is only a boy and does not know how to speak (which really means he doesn't think he will be able to interpret G-d's messages correctly to the people). When G-d talks to Moshe for the first time and tells him to go to Pharoah and tell him to release the Jewish people, Moshe has a similar response. He is also insecure about his speaking abilities but for a different reason. He has a speech impediment and therefore does not think he is capable of speaking on behalf of G-d. G-d also gives them similar responses. G-d tells Yirmiahu not to be afraid because He will be with him. He then touches his mouth and gives him His words and appoints Yirmiahu the prophet over the nations and kings. He then asks Yirmiahu what he sees and Yirmiahu says a blossoming almond stick. G-d tells him that Shaked also means 'speed' and G-d will speedfully fulfill His words. G-d also tells Moshe that He will be with him. He also gives him some reassurance by telling him that Ahron will be there to speak for him.

Both Moshe and Yirmiahu were sent to punish nations. The difference is Moshe was sent to punish a nation who had been oppressing the Jews (and set them free) while Yirmiahu was sent to punish the Jews who had sinned against G-d and could no longer be forgiven for it. In Yirmiahu and Moshe's time the people desperately needed saving. In Yirmiahu's time the people were too far gone to be saved. That was Yishayahu's job. Now Yirmiahu must deliver the punishment. By the time he's done prophesizing the punishent has already been given. The final exile has begun.