Jeremiah 35:5

And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cups, and I said unto them, Drink ye wine.

And I set {H5414} before {H6440} the sons {H1121} of the house {H1004} of the Rechabites {H7397} pots {H1375} full {H4392} of wine {H3196}, and cups {H3563}, and I said {H559} unto them, Drink {H8354} ye wine {H3196}.

There I set in front of the members of the clan of the Rekhavim pitchers full of wine and cups, and said to them, "Drink some wine."

Then I set pitchers full of wine and some cups before the men of the house of the Rechabites, and I said to them, โ€œDrink some wine.โ€

And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites bowls full of wine, and cups; and I said unto them, Drink ye wine.

Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 35:5 is part of a significant prophetic act orchestrated by God through the prophet Jeremiah. In this chapter, God instructs Jeremiah to bring the Rechabites, a nomadic clan known for their strict adherence to the commands of their ancestor Jonadab, into the temple area. Jonadab had commanded his descendants not to drink wine, not to build houses, not to sow seed, and to live in tents as a perpetual sign of their separation and simple lifestyle. Jeremiah's test, described in this verse, was to present them with wine and cups, urging them to drink. This entire episode served as a powerful object lesson, designed to highlight the stark contrast between the Rechabites' unwavering faithfulness to their human forefather's commands and the people of Judah's repeated and consistent disobedience to God's divine commands, despite His persistent warnings through the prophets.

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Faithfulness: The central theme is the Rechabites' profound and unwavering obedience to a vow made generations earlier. Their steadfast refusal demonstrates a high level of integrity and commitment.
  • Integrity and Consistency: The Rechabites' character is defined by their unchanging adherence to their ancestral rules, showcasing a rare consistency in a time of widespread spiritual decay.
  • Divine Rebuke through Contrast: Their faithfulness serves as a powerful indictment of Judah's spiritual rebellion. God uses their example to shame His own people, who had broken His covenant despite countless blessings and warnings.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's "pots full of wine, and cups" vividly paints the picture of the tempting scenario. The Hebrew text similarly emphasizes the abundance and direct presentation of the forbidden drink, making the Rechabites' refusal all the more remarkable. The simple, direct command "Drink ye wine" (Hebrew: shฤ•thรป yฤyin) highlights the straightforward nature of the test and the direct challenge to their long-held vow, underscoring their firm resolve.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 35:5, within its broader context, challenges believers today to examine their own level of commitment to God's commands. The Rechabites' example serves as a powerful mirror:

  • Are we as faithful to God's revealed will as the Rechabites were to their human ancestor's traditions? Their dedication to a human command, though exemplary, pales in comparison to the reverence due to God's divine statutes.
  • The verse underscores the importance of keeping our commitments and living with integrity before God and man.
  • It reminds us that genuine faith is demonstrated through consistent, practical obedience, not just outward religious observance. This unwavering commitment is a powerful testimony, just as the Rechabites' was to the disobedient people of Judah.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Amos 2:12

    But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:7

    Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:9

    For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

  • 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.
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