Jeremiah 35:2

Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and speak unto them, and bring them into the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink.

Go {H1980} unto the house {H1004} of the Rechabites {H7397}, and speak {H1696} unto them, and bring {H935} them into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, into one {H259} of the chambers {H3957}, and give them wine {H3196} to drink {H8248}.

"Go to the Rekhavim, speak to them, bring them to one of the rooms in the house of ADONAI, and give them some wine to drink."

“Go to the house of the Rechabites, speak to them, and bring them to one of the chambers of the house of the LORD to offer them a drink of wine.”

Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and speak unto them, and bring them into the house of Jehovah, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink.

Jeremiah 35:2 records a specific divine command given to the prophet Jeremiah concerning the Rechabites, a unique group in ancient Israel. This verse sets the stage for a powerful object lesson on obedience and faithfulness.

Context of Jeremiah 35:2

At a time when the kingdom of Judah was steeped in idolatry and disobedience, facing imminent judgment from Babylon, God instructed Jeremiah to approach the Rechabites. This nomadic, ascetic group was known for their strict adherence to the commands of their ancestor, Jonadab, son of Rechab. Their vows included abstaining from wine, not building houses, not sowing seed, and not planting vineyards, but living in tents (as detailed in Jeremiah 35:6-7). God's command for Jeremiah to bring them into the Temple and offer them wine was a test, designed to highlight their unwavering commitment to their tradition in stark contrast to the people of Judah's consistent failure to keep God's covenant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Obedience and Faithfulness: The central theme introduced by this verse is the Rechabites' exemplary obedience to their forefather's commands. Their steadfastness served as a powerful rebuke to the Israelites, who had repeatedly broken their covenant with God despite divine warnings through prophets like Jeremiah.
  • Divine Testing: God orchestrates this scenario to test the Rechabites, demonstrating their integrity. This act highlights God's method of using real-life situations to reveal character and teach profound spiritual truths.
  • Contrast with Judah's Disobedience: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent narrative reveals that the Rechabites' refusal to drink the wine (as seen in Jeremiah 35:8) serves as a vivid illustration of Judah's spiritual failings. Their consistent rejection of God's commands is contrasted with the Rechabites' unwavering loyalty to a human command.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "house of the Rechabites" refers not necessarily to a physical dwelling, but to their family or clan. Their identity was tied to their ancestral commitment. The instruction to "give them wine to drink" was a direct challenge to their long-held vow, setting up the test of their faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "house" (bayit) can mean family, lineage, or dwelling, and here it emphasizes their familial identity and tradition.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 35:2, as part of the larger narrative, reminds believers of the importance of consistent obedience to God's Word. Just as the Rechabites remained faithful to their ancestral vow, believers are called to be steadfast in their commitment to God's commands, even when tested. This passage challenges us to examine our own level of faithfulness compared to our stated beliefs. It encourages a life of integrity where our actions align with our convictions, demonstrating a deeper trust in God's wisdom and a willingness to follow His path, as outlined in passages encouraging obedience, such as Deuteronomy 11:26-28.

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.

  • 1 Chronicles 2:55

    And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, [and] Suchathites. These [are] the Kenites that came of Hemath, the father of the house of Rechab.

  • 1 Chronicles 9:26

    For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in [their] set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.

  • 1 Kings 6:5

    And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, [against] the walls of the house round about, [both] of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about:

  • 1 Kings 6:6

    The nethermost chamber [was] five cubits broad, and the middle [was] six cubits broad, and the third [was] seven cubits broad: for without [in the wall] of the house he made narrowed rests round about, that [the beams] should not be fastened in the walls of the house.

  • 2 Kings 10:15

    ¶ And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab [coming] to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart [is] with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give [me] thine hand. And he gave [him] his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.

  • 2 Kings 10:16

    And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot.

  • Nehemiah 13:5

    And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded [to be given] to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.

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