TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you:
KJV (with Strong's)
And Jeremiah H3414 said H559 unto the house H1004 of the Rechabites H7397, Thus saith H559 the LORD H3068 of hosts H6635, the God H430 of Israel H3478; Because ye have obeyed H8085 the commandment H4687 of Jonadab H3082 your father H1, and kept H8104 all his precepts H4687, and done H6213 according unto all that he hath commanded H6680 you:
Complete Jewish Bible
Then to the clan of the Rekhavim Yirmeyahu said, "Here is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: 'Because you have heeded the order of Yonadav your ancestor, observed all his commands and done what he ordered you to do;
Berean Standard Bible
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,
American Standard Version
And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he commanded you;
World English Bible Messianic
Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, Thus says the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel: Because you have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according to all that he commanded you;
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Ieremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the Lord of hostes the God of Israel, Because ye haue obeyed the commandement of Ionadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according vnto all that hee hath commanded you,
Young's Literal Translation
And to the house of the Rechabites said Jeremiah: `Thus said Jehovah of Hosts, God of Israel, Because that ye have hearkened unto the command of Jonadab your father, and ye observe all his commands, and do according to all that he commanded you;
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Commentary on Jeremiah 35 verses 12–19
12 ¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,
13 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words? saith the LORD.
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.
15 I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.
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:
17 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them: because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered.
18 And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you:
19 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever.
The trial of the Rechabites' constancy was intended but for a sign; now here we have the application of it.
I. The Rechabites' observance of their father's charge to them is made use of as an aggravation of the disobedience of the Jews to God. Let them see it and be ashamed. The prophet asks them, in God's name, "Will you not at length receive instruction? Jer 35:13. Will nothing affect you? Will nothing fasten upon you? Will nothing prevail to discover sin and duty to you? You see how obedient the Rechabites are to their father's commandment (Jer 35:14); but you have not inclined your ear to me" (Jer 35:15), though one might much more reasonably expect that the people of God should have obeyed him than that the sons of Jonadab should have obeyed him; and the aggravation is very high, for, 1. The Rechabites were obedient to one who was but a man like themselves, who had but the wisdom and power of a man, and was only the father of their flesh; but the Jews were disobedient to an infinite and eternal God, who had an absolute authority over them, as the Father of their spirits. 2. Jonadab was long since dead, and was ignorant of them, and could neither take cognizance of their disobedience to his orders nor give correction for it; but God lives for ever, to see how his laws are observed, and is in a readiness to revenge all disobedience. 3. The Rechabites were never put in mind of their obligations to their father; but God often sent his prophets to his people, to put them in mind of their duty to him, and yet they would not do it. This is insisted on here as a great aggravation of their disobedience: "I have myself spoken to you, rising early and speaking by the written word and the dictates and admonitions of conscience (Jer 35:14); nay, I have sent unto you all my servants the prophets, men like yourselves, whose terrors shall not make you afraid, rising up early and sending them (Jer 35:15), and yet all in vain." 4. Jonadab never did that for his seed which God had done for his people. He left them a charge, but left them no estate to bear the charge; but God had given his people a good land, and promised them that, if they would be obedient, they should still dwell in it, so that they were bound both in gratitude and interest to be obedient, and yet they would not hear, they would not hearken. 5. God did not tie up his people to so much hardship, and to such instances of mortification, as Jonadab obliged his seed to; and yet Jonadab's orders were obeyed and God's were not.
II. Judgments are threatened, as often before, against Judah and Jerusalem, for their disobedience thus aggravated. The Rechabites shall rise up in judgment against them, and shall condemn them; for they very punctually performed the commandment of their father, and continued and persevered in their obedience to it (Jer 35:16); but this people, this rebellious and gainsaying people, have not hearkened unto me; and therefore (Jer 35:17), because they have not obeyed the precepts of the word, God will perform the threatenings of it: "I will bring upon them, by the Chaldean army, all the evil pronounced against them both in the law and in the prophets, for I have spoken to them, I have called to them - spoken in a still small voice to those that were near and called aloud to those that were at a distance, tried all ways and means to convince and reduce them - spoken by my word, called by my providence, both to the same purport, and yet all to no purpose; they have not heard nor answered."
III. Mercy is here promised to the family of the Rechabites for their steady and unanimous adherence to the laws of their house. Though it was only for the shaming of Israel that their constancy was tried, yet, being unshaken, it was found unto praise, and honour, and glory; and God takes occasion from it to tell them that he had favours in reserve for them (Jer 35:18, Jer 35:19) and that they should have the comfort of them. 1. That the family shall continue as long as any of the families of Israel, among whom they were strangers and sojourners. it shall never want a man to inherit what they had, though they had no inheritance to leave. Note, Sometimes those that have the smallest estates have the most numerous progeny; but he that sends mouths will be sure to send meat. 2. That religion shall continue in the family: "He shall not want a man to stand before me, to serve me." Though they are neither priests nor levites, nor appear to have had any post in the temple service, yet in a constant course of regular devotion, they stand before God, to minister to him. Note, (1.) The greatest blessing that can be entailed upon a family is to have the worship of God kept up in it from generation to generation. (2.) Temperance, self-denial, and mortification to the world, do very much befriend the exercises of piety, and help to transmit the observance of them to posterity. The more dead we are to the delights of sense the better we are disposed for the service of God; but nothing is more fatal to the entail of religion in a family than pride and luxury.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–19. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
St. Jerome, Commentary on Daniel, CHAPTER SEVEN
[Daniel 7:1] "In the first year of Belshazzar, King of Babylon, Daniel beheld a dream. And a vision of his head upon his bed. And when he wrote the dream down, he comprehended it in a few words and gave a brief summary of it, saying..." This section which we now undertake to explain, and also the subsequent section which we are going to discuss, is historically prior to the two previous sections. For this present section and that which follows it are recorded to have taken place in the first and third years of the reign of King Belshazzar (Jeremiah 39) [Jerome's citation of Jeremiah 39 seems quite pointless in this connection]. But the section which we read previously to the one just preceding this, is recorded to have taken place in the last year, indeed on the final day, of Belshaz-zar's reign. And we meet this phenomenon not only in Daniel but also in Jeremiah [cf. Jeremiah 35 and Jeremiah 34] and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 17), as we shall be able to show, if life spares us that long. But in the earlier portion of the book, the historical order has been followed, namely the events which occurred in the time of Nebuchadnezzar, and Belshazzar, and Darius or Cyrus. But in the passages now before us an account is given of various visions which were beheld on particular occasions and of which only the prophet himself was aware, and which therefore lacked any importance as signs or revelations so far as the barbarian nations were concerned. But they were written down only that a record of the things beheld might be preserved for posterity.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Jeremiah 35:18 records the divine commendation delivered by the prophet Jeremiah to the house of the Rechabites, a unique nomadic clan distinguished by their unwavering, multi-generational adherence to the strict ancestral vows of Jonadab, their forefather. This verse marks God's explicit recognition and blessing upon them for their steadfast obedience, presenting a stark and powerful contrast to the persistent disobedience of the people of Judah and Jerusalem, thereby serving as a profound object lesson on the paramount importance of faithfulness to divine commands.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Jeremiah 35 is strategically placed within the book of Jeremiah, serving as a powerful literary device to highlight the profound contrast between the exemplary faithfulness of a non-Israelite clan and the pervasive unfaithfulness of God's chosen people, Judah. Prior to this verse, God instructs Jeremiah to test the Rechabites by offering them wine in the temple chambers, an act directly challenging their ancestral vow of abstinence (see Jeremiah 35:1-5). Their steadfast refusal, meticulously explained in Jeremiah 35:6-11, sets the stage for God's divine pronouncement in verse 18. Immediately following this commendation, God pronounces a lasting blessing upon the Rechabites in Jeremiah 35:19, and then uses their unwavering obedience as a severe rebuke against Judah for their consistent rejection of His prophetic warnings and covenant stipulations (see Jeremiah 35:12-17). The entire chapter thus functions as a profound object lesson, emphasizing the gravity of Judah's sin and the righteousness of God's impending judgment.
Historical & Cultural Context: The events of Jeremiah 35 unfold during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, most likely during the reign of King Jehoiakim (c. 609-598 BC), a time characterized by rampant idolatry, social injustice, and profound political instability, all contributing to the nation's slide towards the Babylonian exile. The Rechabites were a distinct, semi-nomadic group, possibly related to the Kenites (compare Judges 1:16), who had maintained a unique lifestyle based on the commands of their ancestor Jonadab, son of Rechab, who lived centuries earlier (2 Kings 10:15-16). Their vows included abstaining from wine, refraining from building houses, not sowing seed, and living in tents, reflecting a deep commitment to a simple, uncorrupted way of life, perhaps as a deliberate protest against the corrupting influences of urban Canaanite culture. Their temporary presence in Jerusalem during this time was likely a direct response to the escalating threat of Babylonian and Aramean raiders (as indicated in Jeremiah 35:11), forcing them to seek refuge within the city walls.
Key Themes: The central and most prominent theme of Jeremiah 35, powerfully encapsulated in this verse, is Obedience and Disobedience. The Rechabites' unwavering fidelity to a human command, faithfully passed down through generations, stands in stark and damning contrast to Judah's consistent and profound disobedience to God's divine covenant and His numerous prophetic warnings (see Jeremiah 7:23-26). This highlights the crucial theme of Covenant Faithfulness, or rather, the tragic lack thereof on Judah's part, which is a recurring motif throughout the book of Jeremiah. The narrative also underscores Divine Justice and Mercy, as God pronounces a just judgment on Judah for their rebellion while simultaneously demonstrating His recognition and extending His blessing upon the Rechabites for their integrity. Finally, the chapter powerfully presents the Power of Example, as the Rechabites serve as a living parable, demonstrating that faithfulness, even to human precepts, can be a potent testimony, especially when juxtaposed against widespread spiritual apathy and rebellion.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Jeremiah 35:18 masterfully employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent and impactful is Contrast, where the exemplary, unwavering obedience of the Rechabites to a human command is starkly set against the profound and persistent disobedience of Judah to God's divine commands. This deliberate contrast serves to highlight Judah's deep culpability and the inherent righteousness of God's impending judgment. The verse also features Divine Speech, powerfully introduced by the authoritative prophetic formula, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel." This direct address from God Himself elevates the significance of the Rechabites' actions and the subsequent blessing, imbuing the entire narrative with undeniable divine weight and authority. Furthermore, the entire narrative of Jeremiah 35 functions as an Exemplum or a living parable, where the Rechabites serve as a tangible, observable, and compelling example of faithfulness, specifically intended to provoke deep self-reflection, repentance, and a renewed commitment to obedience in the disobedient people of Judah.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 35:18 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God values and honors obedience, even when it is directed towards human authority, provided it does not contradict His divine will. The Rechabites' steadfastness to their father's command, faithfully passed down through centuries, serves as a powerful and convicting indictment of Judah's catastrophic failure to obey their heavenly Father. This narrative underscores that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrably evidenced through consistent, active compliance with known commands, regardless of personal convenience, cultural pressures, or the passage of time. God's explicit commendation here reveals His character as one who sees, acknowledges, and ultimately rewards faithfulness, highlighting that even seemingly small acts of disciplined obedience are not overlooked but are profoundly significant in His divine economy.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The compelling example of the Rechabites in Jeremiah 35:18 offers a profound challenge and a powerful encouragement for believers today. Their multi-generational commitment to a human command, maintained with unwavering discipline and integrity, compels us to deeply examine the depth, consistency, and sincerity of our own obedience to the living God. If such remarkable faithfulness to an earthly father's precepts could earn divine commendation, how much more should we strive for wholehearted, joyful, and diligent obedience to the commands of our heavenly Father, whose ways are perfect, whose wisdom is infinite, and whose will is always supremely good and for our ultimate flourishing? This verse serves as a potent reminder that true spirituality is not merely about outward profession or intellectual assent but about consistent, practical living—about actively embodying and living out our faith in tangible acts of submission, trust, and loving obedience. It calls us to cultivate a disciplined life, recognizing that our faithfulness, however small or hidden it may seem, is seen, valued, and honored by God, and can serve as a powerful, convicting witness to a disobedient and skeptical world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God commend the Rechabites for obeying a human command, rather than His own divine laws?
Answer: God commended the Rechabites not because human commands supersede divine law, but precisely because their steadfast obedience to Jonadab's precepts served as a powerful, living illustration of the very faithfulness that Judah so tragically lacked towards God's covenant. The Rechabites' centuries-long adherence to their ancestral vows demonstrated an extraordinary level of discipline, integrity, and respect for established authority. God strategically used their consistent, unwavering commitment to a lesser, human command to shame and rebuke Judah, who had repeatedly ignored, rebelled against, and scorned the far greater and life-giving commands of the Almighty God of Israel (as explicitly highlighted in Jeremiah 35:14-15). Their unwavering obedience was a clear and convicting mirror reflecting Judah's profound and destructive disobedience, underscoring the severity of Judah's sin and the undeniable justice of God's impending judgment.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 35:18, with its profound commendation of the Rechabites for their radical and unwavering obedience, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest theological meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Rechabites demonstrated exemplary faithfulness to a human father's commands, Jesus perfectly embodied absolute, unwavering, and complete obedience to His heavenly Father's will (John 8:29). Unlike the people of Judah, who consistently rebelled against God's commands, Jesus lived a life of perfect and unblemished submission, declaring, "I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but to do the will of him who sent me" (John 6:38). His obedience was not merely to a set of precepts but to the entire sacrificial mission of redemption, culminating in His voluntary and atoning death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Through His perfect obedience, Christ fulfilled all righteousness and established a new covenant, making it possible for us, through faith in Him, to be counted righteous and to receive the Holy Spirit who empowers our own Spirit-led obedience (Romans 5:19). The Rechabites' enduring lineage, promised in the very next verse (Jeremiah 35:19), powerfully foreshadows the eternal spiritual lineage established through Christ's obedient sacrifice, where all who believe become children of God and heirs of His magnificent promises (Galatians 3:26-29).