JEREMIAH 35 - The Rekebites

NOTES BY VERSE

Note: each ** comment in this document is listed in numerical order according to the verse(s) from this chapter

** The prophecy in Jeremiah 35 carries us back to an earlier period in Jeremiah’s life when Jerusalem was not yet besieged

Jeremiah 35:1 NIV

[1] This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord during the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah:

** The descendants of Jehonadab relayed the instructions they were given by their forefather and obeyed — to live in tents and not drink wine

To keep a low profile with these conditions enabled them to continue in the land where they were strangers; humility and contentment are always the best policy, and men’s surest protection against unlawful pleasures  <H83>

Jeremiah 35:3-7 NIV

[3] So I went to get Jaazaniah son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah, and his brothers and all his sons---the whole family of the Rekabites. [4] I brought them into the house of the Lord, into the room of the sons of Hanan son of Igdaliah the man of God. It was next to the room of the officials, which was over that of Maaseiah son of Shallum the doorkeeper. [5] Then I set bowls full of wine and some cups before the Rekabites and said to them, “Drink some wine.” [6] But they replied, “We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jehonadab son of Rekab gave us this command: 'Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine. [7] Also you must never build houses, sow seed or plant vineyards; you must never have any of these things, but must always live in tents. Then you will live a long time in the land where you are nomads.'

Jeremiah 35:8-10 NIV

[8] We have obeyed everything our forefather Jehonadab son of Rekab commanded us. Neither we nor our wives nor our sons and daughters have ever drunk wine [9] or built houses to live in or had vineyards, fields or crops. [10] We have lived in tents and have fully obeyed everything our forefather Jehonadab commanded us.

** The Lord used the example of Jehonadab and his obedient descendants as an example of what it looked like to obey, wondering why the Israelites couldn’t follow their example?

Jeremiah 35:12-15 NIV

[12] Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying: [13] “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Go and tell the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, 'Will you not learn a lesson and obey my words?' declares the Lord. [14] 'Jehonadab son of Rekab ordered his descendants not to drink wine and this command has been kept. To this day they do not drink wine, because they obey their forefather's command. But I have spoken to you again and again, yet you have not obeyed me. [15] Again and again I sent all my servants the prophets to you. They said, “Each of you must turn from your wicked ways and reform your actions; do not follow other gods to serve them. Then you will live in the land I have given to you and your ancestors.” But you have not paid attention or listened to me.

** The Lord blessed the descendants of Jehonadab for their obedience

Jeremiah 35:18-19 NIV

[18] Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Rekabites, “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jehonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.' [19] Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Jehonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.' ”