Session 9 | Jeremiah 35:5-19
JEREMIAH 35:5-19
MEMORY VERSE: JEREMIAH 33:3
One of the most effective teaching tools in the classroom is the use of examples. For instance, calculus, physics, and chemistry students on university campuses purchase very large books that contain examples of how to solve various problems they may encounter in their course of study. When it comes to our spiritual instruction, God sometimes uses examples to teach us about obedience. This was the case in Jeremiah’s day. God used the Rechabites, a nomadic tribe who faithfully adhered to a strict set of rules, to demonstrate to His people what faithful obedience looks like.
(In PSG, p.82)
Jeremiah received a message from God as King Nebuchadnezzar’s army advanced on Jerusalem (34:1-7). The Lord warned Zedekiah, Judah’s last king, that Nebuchadnezzar would defeat Judah and burn Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar would capture Zedekiah, and Zedekiah would speak with Nebuchadnezzar face-to-face! However, Zedekiah would die in peace in Babylon, and people would lament his death.
Zedekiah made a covenant with Jerusalem’s population (34:8-11). That covenant included releasing Hebrew slaves so they would no longer be holding their fellow citizens in bondage. However, the people soon changed their minds and took back their Jewish slaves. Jeremiah chastised the people for their double-mindedness (34:12-16). They first had honored God’s Word by releasing the slaves in accordance with the law, but their change of heart revealed their insincerity. The people had not obeyed God, so God would “release” them—to sword, plague, famine, destruction, and exile (34:17-22).
At God’s instruction, Jeremiah brought the Rechabites into one of the temple chambers (35:1-11). He set wine before them and urged them to drink it. However, they refused, preferring instead to obey the instruction of their ancestor Jonadab. Centuries earlier, Jonadab had commanded his people never to drink wine or practice agriculture. Rather, they were to live in tents. They had obeyed their ancestor’s voice until the Babylonian army forced them to take shelter inside Jerusalem.
God then challenged His people (35:12-17). Jonadab’s descendants had followed their ancestor’s commands to the letter, yet Judah’s citizens had rejected God’s counsel. When God’s people disobeyed Him, He sent them prophets to instruct them how to live under His leading rather than pursuing other gods. Their unfaithful lives stood in stark contrast to the faithful obedience of the Rechabites.
Therefore, God assured His people that He would bring disaster on those living in Judah and Jerusalem because they had refused to heed His voice. Jeremiah then commended the Rechabites (35:18-19) for observing the commands of their ancestor. He assured them that God would preserve their line forever.
EXPLORE THE TEXT
5 I set jars filled with wine and some cups before the sons of the house of the Rechabites and said to them, “Drink wine!”
The events in Jeremiah 35 occurred during the reign of Judah’s evil King Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:36-37). Jehoiakim’s rule (609–597 BC) witnessed the first of Babylon’s attacks against Jerusalem, when the prophet Daniel was taken into exile (2 Kings 24:1-4; Dan. 1:1-6). Jehoiakim had little regard for God and His Word and demonstrated his disdain by burning Jeremiah’s prophetic scroll (Jer. 36:19-26).
The Lord commanded Jeremiah to bring the clan of the •Rechabites to one of the inner chambers of the temple (35:2-4). This set the stage for a powerful object lesson. As God directed, Jeremiah set jars filled with wine before his guests and invited them to drink wine! Their response to this invitation would reveal the true purpose of this encounter as God provided a living illustration of loyalty in action.
6 But they replied, “We do not drink wine, for Jonadab, son of our ancestor Rechab, commanded, ‘You and your descendants must never drink wine. 7 You must not build a house or sow seed or plant a vineyard. Those things are not for you. Rather, you must live in tents your whole life, so you may live a long time on the soil where you stay as a resident alien.’”
The Rechabites told the prophet that they did not drink wine. Abstinence from wine marked their lifestyle. The Rechabites cited a command from Jonadab, son of our ancestor Rechab as the reason for their abstinence. Many scholars have connected Jonadab with an individual mentioned in 2 Kings 10:15-23. Jonadab met with King Jehu of Israel and witnessed Jehu’s bloody attempt to cleanse the Northern Kingdom of Baal worship. This event preceded Jeremiah’s encounter with the Rechabites by more than two centuries.
At some point, Jonadab had commanded his descendants to never drink wine. Most interpreters believe Jonadab’s desire for his family to maintain a nomadic lifestyle prompted this command (see v. 7). Consumption of wine threatened the nomadic way of life because those who developed a taste for it might decide to settle in one place to plant vineyards or to venture into a city to get it.
Jonadab had added three more prohibitions for his descendants. First, he told them not to build a house. Doing so required putting time and energy into building a permanent structure. Further, it meant the inhabitants were not free to move about as he desired.
Second, Jonadab warned them not to sow seed. The expression probably indicates growing crops, such as wheat or barley, though it also might have described planting of fruit trees. Again, such actions required people to settle in one area.
Finally, Jonadab commanded his descendants not to plant a vineyard. Growing vines, harvesting grapes, and perhaps processing the juice into wine all required settling down. The clan’s ancestor did not want this. His words those things are not for you summarized his sentiments toward a lifestyle tied to any particular place.
Jonadab also instructed his descendants to live in tents throughout their lives. Living in tents granted Jonadab’s family the flexibility to move about, perhaps with their sheep and goats, and to live simply before their God. Jonadab did not want them to fall into the moral lapse that accompanied exposure to Canaanite temptations.
Jonadab assured his family that he wanted them to live a long time, even though it meant living as a resident alien. Many have noted the parallel wording in Exodus 20:12 regarding honoring one’s parents. The Rechabites were honoring the law by honoring their ancestor and by obeying him. The term translated resident alien designates a temporary residence rather than settling down. The term also described Abraham when he journeyed to Egypt because of famine in Canaan (Gen. 12:10).
8 “We have obeyed Jonadab, son of our ancestor Rechab, in all he commanded us. So we haven’t drunk wine our whole life—we, our wives, our sons, and our daughters. 9 We also have not built houses to live in and do not have vineyard, field, or seed. 10 But we have lived in tents and have obeyed and done everything our ancestor Jonadab commanded us.”
The Rechabites affirmed that they had obeyed Jonadab in every way. Their commitment to their ancestor’s instruction was absolute and included entire families: we . . . our wives . . . our sons and daughters. Family leaders ensured compliance at every level. No one had drunk wine, and they had not built houses. They possessed no vineyard . . . field . . . or seed. Their lifestyle did not allow them to become farmers, for they were always on the move.
The Rechabites also lived in tents. Their ancestor had instructed them to make their homes in tents, and they had obeyed. The word translated obeyed comes from a word that means “to hear.” The Rechabites who had personally heard Jonadab’s original instruction passed his instruction along to later generations. However, the family members not only heard Jonadab’s words, but they also followed his instructions.
11 “However, when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon marched into the land, we said, ‘Come, let’s go into Jerusalem to get away from the Chaldean and Aramean armies.’ So we have been living in Jerusalem.”
Circumstances changed for the Rechabites when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon marched into Judah. People who lived in tents in the open country faced certain capture or death from an invading army. Consequently, the Rechabites came into Jerusalem to escape the •Chaldean and Aramean armies. Jerusalem provided security with its high surrounding stone wall. The term Chaldean refers to the ethnic background of Nebuchadnezzar and his people. The term Aramean designates people who had joined forces with Nebuchadnezzar against Judah (2 Kings 24:1-2). Nebuchadnezzar already had conquered the Arameans. Now, he enlisted their help against Judah.
Thus, the Rechabites were only in Jerusalem due to pressing circumstances. Otherwise, they would have remained in their tents. They had not compromised their principles; and if the siege lifted, they would resume their nomadic lifestyle.
God provides faithful examples we can follow in life. My great-grandmother read her Bible regularly and loved the Psalms. The Lord took her home when I was eight years old, but I still remember her godly life. Ultimately Jesus is the only perfect example, but we also can learn from others’ consistent walks with God.
(In PSG, p. 86)
12 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 13 “This is what the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Go, say to the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem, ‘Will you not accept discipline by listening to my words?—this is the LORD’s declaration.’”
The expression the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah occurs commonly in the prophet’s book (1:2,4,11; 2:1; 32:1). The messages Jeremiah brought were not his, but God’s; Jeremiah merely functioned as God’s messenger. We do not know exactly how God communicated to His prophet, but Jeremiah clearly understood God’s application points as he observed the Rechabites and heard their reply.
Jeremiah’s opening words this is what the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel says is also common in Jeremiah, including three more times in verses 17-19. The expression Lord of Armies stresses God’s sovereignty over the universe and His power to accomplish His will. His designation as the God of Israel is interesting since the Northern Kingdom of Israel had fallen to Assyria in 721 BC. Perhaps Jeremiah used the term to stress a future restoration of the entire nation.
God’s message focused on the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem, many of whom had witnessed Jeremiah’s encounter with the Rechabites. Some may have wondered why Jeremiah would challenge them as he did. If so, they were about to find out.
God asked the Judeans if they would accept discipline by listening to my words, highlighting His amazement at Judah’s persistent refusal to accept His warnings. The word discipline relates to correction or guidance. The goal is to help the one learn and grow, but God’s people had turned away. The statement the LORD’S declaration stressed the divine source of Jeremiah’s message throughout his prophecies
(1:8,15,19; 31:31-34).
14 “‘The words of Jonadab, son of Rechab, have been carried out. He commanded his descendants not to drink wine, and they have not drunk to this day because they have obeyed their ancestor’s command. But I have spoken to you time and time again, and you have not obeyed me! 15 Time and time again I have sent you all my servants the prophets, proclaiming, “Turn, each one from his evil way, and correct your actions. Stop following other gods to serve them. Live in the land that I gave you and your ancestors.” But you did not pay attention or obey me.’”
The Lord contrasted the Rechabites’ obedience to their ancestor with Judah’s disobedience to their God. He noted that the Rechabites had carried out their ancestor’s commands and faithfully obeyed those instructions over many generations. That very day, they had refused Jeremiah’s invitation because of their great respect for Jonadab. Meanwhile, the residents of Judah could not be bothered to obey and honor their Creator and Provider.
The Lord had spoken to Judah time and time again, but they refused to obey Him. The expression time and time again emphasizes God’s repeated attempts to turn His people back to Him. Jonadab’s descendants had followed his instructions, but God’s people had failed to heed His persistent calls.
God also using similar language to admonish His people for ignoring my servants the prophets. The expression translated time and time again varies slightly from the wording in verse 14, but it still stresses God’s ongoing attempts to use His prophets to turn His people back to Him. God initially had given His people His instruction on Mount Sinai and commanded them to live it out (Deut. 30:15-20). When that failed, He sent prophets to challenge them. Jeremiah was one of many who urged the people to turn to God and correct your actions.
The prophets also challenged God’s people to stop following other gods. When the Israelites took the land of Canaan, they failed to drive out all the inhabitants and eventually adopted the religious practices of those pagan societies (Judg. 2:11-13). God had instructed Israel through the prophets to live in the land faithfully. Sadly, they refused to pay attention or obey me. The people failed to honor either God’s Word or His prophets.
16 “‘Yes, the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab carried out their ancestor’s command he gave them, but these people have not obeyed me. 17 Therefore, this is what the LORD, the God of Armies, the God of Israel, says: I will certainly bring on Judah and on all the residents of Jerusalem all the disaster I have pronounced against them because I have spoken to them, but they have not obeyed, and I have called to them, but they did
not answer.’”
Through Jeremiah, the Lord again summarized the sad truth: the Rechabites had carried out their ancestor’s command, while Judah had not obeyed me. Jeremiah held up the Rechabites as an example for Judah to emulate. God wanted the best for His people and expected faithful obedience from them.
The LORD, the God of Armies, the God of Israel introduced Jeremiah’s conclusion. God’s people had utterly failed Him. As a result, God promised to send all the disaster I have pronounced against them. Jeremiah often had warned the Judeans about the coming exile in Babylon, but he also assured them that God would accept their repentance (17:24-27; 22:4). Even in Judah’s last days, Jeremiah told King Zedekiah that God would spare the city if the king surrendered (38:17-23). Tragically, Zedekiah lacked the courage to do so (39:1-10).
God had spoken to Judah through His Word, but they hadn’t obeyed. He had called them by the prophets, but they had refused to answer. God stands against those who disregard Him. They may even have considered themselves good people, but God’s Word says they fell short of His standard (Rom. 3:23).
(In PSG, p. 88)
18 But to the house of the Rechabites Jeremiah said, “This is what the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Because you have obeyed the command of your ancestor Jonadab and have kept all his commands and have done everything he commanded you,19 This is what the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Jonadab son of Rechab will never fail to have a man to stand before me always.’”
Jeremiah admonished Judah, but he commended the house of the Rechabites, who had provided a wonderful example of faithful obedience. Just as the LORD of Armies had indicted Judah, He announced blessing for the Rechabites because of their faithfulness to Jonadab’s commands.
God said the Rechabites would never fail to have a man to stand before me always. God promised to bless Jonadab’s line because of its faithfulness. Again, the words this is what the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says reinforces one last time the certainty of God’s plan. The Rechabites’ family line would always have a place in God’s service.
Many Scriptures assure us that God’s blessing will rest on faithful families who follow the Lord wholeheartedly (Ex. 20:6; Ps. 128:6). Our obedience provides the best demonstration to the world of our faith in the Lord. As we obey Him, we will know and experience the life of blessing God intends for His children.
(In PSG, p. 89)
Sanctification
Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person’s life. (See Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Pet. 1:14-16.)
Note repeated words or phrases in a Bible passage.
Biblical writers sometimes used repetition of key words to emphasize a theme or message. Note the number of times in Jeremiah 35:5-19 that Jeremiah used the statement “this is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says.” Read through Jeremiah 35:12-19 and note the four times the statement appears—twice to announce judgment, and twice to announce blessing. Why do you think Jeremiah kept repeating it? How can it encourage us today?