Jeremiah 35:12-19

What does the Rechabites’ obedience expose in Judah?

Berean Standard Bible

12 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 13 “This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Go and tell the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem: ‘Will you not accept discipline and obey My words?’ declares the LORD. 14 The words of Jonadab son of Rechab have been carried out. He commanded his sons not to drink wine, and they have not drunk it to this very day because they have obeyed the command of their forefather. But I have spoken to you again and again, and you have not obeyed Me! 15 Again and again I have sent you all My servants the prophets, proclaiming: ‘Turn now, each of you, from your wicked ways, and correct your actions. Do not go after other gods to serve them. Live in the land that I have given to you and your fathers.’ But you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me. 16 Yes, the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not listened to Me. 17 Therefore this is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will bring to Judah and to 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 have not answered.’” 18 Then Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites: “This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Because you have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have kept all his commandments and have done all that he charged you to do, 19 this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Jonadab son of Rechab will never fail to have a man to stand before Me.’”

What is the context?

The Lord asks whether Judah will accept instruction. A human ancestor’s command has been maintained, yet His own repeated words have been refused.

The prophets’ call was to turn from evil, amend conduct, and stop serving other gods. The comparison concerns hearing and doing rather than admiration of an unusual lifestyle.

Judah’s refusal brings the previously announced disaster. The Rechabites, by contrast, receive a promise that Jonadab will not lack a man standing before the Lord.

The contrast gives concrete force to the charge of disobedience: long practice showed that sustained attention to an instruction was possible.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley limits the promise’s forever to the continuing Jewish state or church. That is his interpretation of its duration; the public text itself presents the Lord’s assurance to Jonadab’s descendants.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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