But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.
But we have dwelt in {H3427} tents {H168}, and have obeyed {H8085}, and done {H6213} according to all that Jonadab {H3122} our father {H1} commanded {H6680} us.
We have lived in tents, and we have heeded Yonadav our ancestor and done everything he ordered us to do.
But we have lived in tents and have obeyed and done exactly as our forefather Jonadab commanded us.
but we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.
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Historical and Cultural Context
Jeremiah 35:10 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of the Rechabites, a unique nomadic clan brought before the prophet Jeremiah by divine instruction. The setting is a chamber in the Temple of the Lord, where Jeremiah offers them wine to drink. This act served as a powerful object lesson for the disobedient people of Judah. The Rechabites were descendants of Jonadab, son of Rechab, who, centuries earlier, had given his family a strict set of rules. These commands included never to drink wine, build houses, sow seed, plant vineyards, or have any, but to dwell in tents all their days. Their response in this verse highlights their unwavering adherence to these ancestral commands, providing a stark contrast to Judah's repeated failure to obey God's covenant instructions, a theme consistently highlighted throughout the book of Jeremiah.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insight
The Hebrew word for "obeyed" (KJV: "have obeyed, and done according to") is shama (שָׁמַע), which means more than just to hear. It implies hearing with attention, understanding, and most importantly, acting upon what is heard. The Rechabites' declaration confirms that their "hearing" of Jonadab's command was not passive but led directly to active compliance and faithful execution of his instructions, demonstrating a profound internal commitment.
Practical Application
Jeremiah 35:10 offers profound lessons for believers today: