Commentary on Jeremiah

John Chrysostom (347–407)

Prophets had power either to speak or to refrain from speaking. They were not bound by necessity but were honored with a privilege. For this reason Jonah fled, for this reason Ezekiel delayed and for this reason Jeremiah excused himself. And God drives them not only by compulsion but also by advising, exhorting, threatening. He does not darken their mind, because to cause distraction, madness and great darkness is the proper work of a demon. It is God's work to illuminate and with consideration to teach what is necessary.

I say this, for Isaiah said, "The Lord has given me a learned tongue that I should know when I ought to speak a word." Furthermore, what of Jeremiah? When he was sent, he then was inspired by God. And what of Ezekiel? For, when he had eaten the chapter of the book, he then spoke prophetically.

Again, elsewhere he says, "What fault have your fathers found in me?" That which is said is great and marvelous, because what he says means, "What wrong have I done?" God tells human beings, "What sin have I committed?"—something that not even slaves tolerate that their master utter.

See also

• More works by John Chrysostom

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