Jeremiah 35:16

Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them; but this people hath not hearkened unto me:

Because the sons {H1121} of Jonadab {H3082} the son {H1121} of Rechab {H7394} have performed {H6965} the commandment {H4687} of their father {H1}, which he commanded {H6680} them; but this people {H5971} hath not hearkened {H8085} unto me:

Because the descendants of Yonadav the son of Rekhav have obeyed the order of their ancestor, which he ordered them; but this people has not listened to me;

Yes, the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not listened to Me.

Forasmuch as the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father which he commanded them, but this people hath not hearkened unto me;

Context of Jeremiah 35:16

Jeremiah 35 presents a striking object lesson orchestrated by God through the prophet Jeremiah. The setting is Jerusalem, likely during the reign of King Jehoiakim, a time of significant spiritual decline and impending Babylonian invasion. God commands Jeremiah to bring the Rechabites, a nomadic clan known for their strict adherence to the commands of their ancestor Jonadab, into the temple and offer them wine. Jonadab, a contemporary of Jehu (around 2 Kings 10:15-23), had commanded his descendants not to drink wine, build houses, sow seed, plant vineyards, or own land, but to live in tents. The Rechabites, despite being offered wine in the temple, steadfastly refused, citing their father's command.

Verse 16 serves as God's direct commentary on this powerful demonstration. It highlights the stark contrast between the unwavering obedience of the Rechabites to a human command and the persistent disobedience of the people of Judah to God's divine commands. This divine comparison underscores Judah's spiritual failure and sets the stage for God's judgment, even as it offers a glimpse of His long-suffering patience in continually calling His people to hearken to His voice.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Obedience and Disobedience: The central theme is the stark contrast between the Rechabites' steadfast adherence to their ancestor's rules and Judah's consistent refusal to obey God's laws. This highlights the severe moral and spiritual decay within Judah, who had been given God's direct covenant and instruction, yet failed to keep it.
  • Faithfulness to Authority: The Rechabites exemplify a profound faithfulness to a human patriarch's command, demonstrating a commitment that shamed the people of Judah, who showed no such loyalty to their divine King and Lawgiver. Their disciplined life was a visible sermon on the importance of heeding instructions.
  • Divine Justice and Warning: God uses the Rechabites as an object lesson to expose Judah's spiritual rebellion. Their obedience to an earthly father's word served as a powerful indictment against Judah's rejection of their heavenly Father's word. This chapter serves as a solemn warning that continued disobedience leads to divine judgment, while faithfulness, even to a human command, is noticed and commended by God.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the word "hearkened" for the Hebrew term shama' (שָׁמַע). While often translated as "hear," in biblical Hebrew, shama' carries a deeper meaning of "to hear and obey," or "to give heed to." Thus, when God states "this people hath not hearkened unto me," it implies not merely a failure to hear His words, but a deliberate and active refusal to obey His commands and warnings. This contrasts sharply with the Rechabites who truly "performed" (עָשׂוּ - asu), meaning they actively "did" or "carried out" their father's commandment.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 35:16 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Consistency in Obedience: The Rechabites' unwavering commitment over generations challenges us to examine our own consistency in obeying God's commands. If a human directive could inspire such loyalty, how much more should divine instruction?
  • The Power of Example: Just as the Rechabites' faithfulness served as a powerful rebuke to Judah, our lives can either be a testimony to God's truth or a stumbling block. Our obedience or disobedience has implications beyond ourselves.
  • Listening with Intent to Obey: The verse reminds us that merely hearing God's Word is insufficient; true spiritual maturity involves actively "hearkening" – hearing and obeying. We are called not just to be hearers of the Word, but doers of the Word.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Malachi 1:6

    ¶ A son honoureth [his] father, and a servant his master: if then I [be] a father, where [is] mine honour? and if I [be] a master, where [is] my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

  • Jeremiah 35:14

    The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father's commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me.

  • Luke 15:28

    And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

  • Luke 15:30

    But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

  • Matthew 11:28

    Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

  • Matthew 11:30

    For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.

  • Luke 15:11

    ¶ And he said, A certain man had two sons:

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