Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 1:4

"Now the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying," — Jeremiah 1:4 (ASV)

This history of Jeremiah’s call to his office formed a part of his first address to the people. He claimed to act by an external authority, and to speak not his own words but those of Yahweh; and this even when resisting the divine call (Jeremiah 20:7, Jeremiah 20:14–18).