Jeremiah 35:6

KJV

But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, [neither] ye, nor your sons for ever:

KJV (with Strong's)

But they said {H559}, We will drink {H8354} no wine {H3196}: for Jonadab {H3122} the son {H1121} of Rechab {H7394} our father {H1} commanded {H6680} us, saying {H559}, Ye shall drink {H8354} no wine {H3196}, neither ye, nor your sons {H1121} for {H5704} ever {H5769}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But they said, "We will not drink any wine; because Yonadav the son of Rekhav, our ancestor, gave us this order: 'You are not to drink wine, neither you nor your descendants, forever.

Berean Standard Bible

“We do not drink wine,” they replied, “for our forefather Jonadab son of Rechab commanded us, ‘Neither you nor your descendants are ever to drink wine.

American Standard Version

But they said, We will drink no wine; for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons, for ever:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 35:6 records the steadfast refusal of the Rechabites to drink wine, a direct response to Jeremiah's divinely orchestrated test. Their unwavering adherence to the centuries-old command of their ancestor, Jonadab son of Rechab, to abstain from wine and live a nomadic lifestyle, serves as a profound object lesson. This act of consistent, intergenerational obedience stands in stark contrast to the persistent disobedience of the people of Judah and Jerusalem to God's covenant commands, thereby highlighting Judah's spiritual failure and God's righteous judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah chapter 35 is a powerful prophetic object lesson, strategically placed within Jeremiah's broader message of judgment and hope for Judah. Prior to this chapter, Jeremiah has consistently delivered messages of impending doom due to Judah's idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. Here, God commands Jeremiah to bring the Rechabites into a chamber of the temple and offer them wine, not as a test of their loyalty, but as a vivid demonstration for the disobedient people of Judah. The Rechabites' immediate and firm refusal to partake in wine, citing their ancestral vow, stands in stark opposition to Judah's repeated rejection of God's commands. This chapter serves as a poignant illustration of faithful obedience contrasted with defiant rebellion, setting the stage for God's pronouncement of blessing upon the Rechabites and judgment upon Judah in the subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Rechabites were a distinct, non-Israelite clan, possibly Kenites, known for their strict adherence to a set of ascetic rules laid down by their ancestor, Jonadab (also known as Jehonadab), centuries earlier during the reign of King Jehu (circa 9th century BCE). Their ancestral commands included abstaining from wine, not building houses, not sowing seed, and not planting vineyards, but living in tents. This nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle was likely intended to preserve a simple, pure devotion to Yahweh, guarding against the corrupting influences often associated with settled, agricultural, and urban life, which frequently led to idolatry and moral decay among the Israelites. Their presence in Jerusalem at this time (likely during the Babylonian siege or threat) was an unusual deviation from their nomadic custom, forced by the encroaching armies, yet they maintained their core principles even under duress and in the sacred space of the temple.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 35:6 powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. The most prominent is **Unwavering Obedience**, as the Rechabites' steadfast fidelity to a human command, maintained for generations, is presented as a model of faithfulness. This highlights the shamefulness of Judah's consistent and persistent disobedience to God's divine commands, a theme echoed throughout Jeremiah, particularly in passages lamenting Judah's spiritual adultery and rebellion against the covenant (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking God")). Another crucial theme is **Faithfulness Across Generations**, emphasized by the phrase "nor your sons for ever," illustrating the profound impact of a spiritual or moral legacy passed down through families. This contrasts sharply with Judah's failure to transmit covenant faithfulness to successive generations, leading to their spiritual decline (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:23-26](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23-26 - Disobedience of Fathers and Sons")). Finally, the verse is a prime example of **Contrast and Rebuke**, as the Rechabites' commitment serves as a powerful indictment of Judah. God uses their exemplary obedience to expose Judah's spiritual laxity and rebellion, underscoring the principle that even human commands, when honored, can highlight the greater sin of neglecting divine decrees (e.g., [Jeremiah 11:7-8](/jeremiah/11-7 "Jeremiah 11:7-8 - Consequences of Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wine (Hebrew, _yayin'_):** This term (H3196) refers to fermented grape juice, often associated with feasting, joy, but also with intoxication and moral laxity in biblical contexts. The Rechabites' refusal to drink "yayin" was a deliberate act of separation, intended to preserve their distinct identity and devotion, guarding against the potential for excess and the settled lifestyle that often accompanied viticulture. Their abstinence was not merely a dietary restriction but a symbol of their commitment to a specific way of life.
* **Father (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** The word (H1) signifies a literal and immediate progenitor, but also extends to a figurative or remote application, embodying the concept of a founder, chief, or source of authority. Here, "Jonadab... our father" emphasizes the deep reverence and unbroken chain of authority and tradition that bound the Rechabites to their ancestor's command. It highlights the patriarchal structure and the profound respect for inherited wisdom and directives within their clan.
* **Ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This term (H5769), often translated as "eternity" or "perpetual," refers to a concealed, vanishing point in time, indicating an indefinite duration, either past or future. In this context, "for ever" underscores the enduring, perpetual nature of Jonadab's command. It signifies that the Rechabites understood their vow not as a temporary obligation but as a binding, intergenerational covenant, intended to last for all time within their lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But they said, We will drink no wine:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the Rechabites' firm and unequivocal response to Jeremiah's offer. Their declaration is direct and resolute, demonstrating an immediate and unhesitating commitment to their ancestral vow, even when presented with the temptation in a sacred setting.
* **"for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying,"** This phrase provides the explicit rationale for their refusal. The Rechabites do not appeal to personal preference or a newly formed conviction, but to the authoritative command of their progenitor, Jonadab. The emphasis on "our father" highlights the deep respect for tradition and the binding nature of ancestral decrees within their clan.
* **"Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever:"** This final clause articulates the specific content and enduring scope of Jonadab's command. It was not merely a personal directive but a perpetual injunction, extending to all future generations ("nor your sons for ever"). This underscores the intergenerational faithfulness of the Rechabites and the profound legacy of obedience that Jonadab had instilled.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 35:6 employs several powerful literary devices. The primary device is **Contrast**, as the unwavering obedience of the Rechabites to a human command is starkly juxtaposed with the persistent disobedience of Judah to God's divine commands. This contrast serves as a severe **Rebuke** to the people of Judah, highlighting their spiritual negligence and covenant unfaithfulness. The entire scenario functions as an **Object Lesson**, orchestrated by God through Jeremiah, to visually and experientially demonstrate Judah's spiritual bankruptcy. There is also an element of **Symbolism**: the "wine" itself symbolizes the comforts and potential corruptions of settled life, while the Rechabites' abstinence symbolizes their commitment to a simpler, purer devotion and their nomadic identity. The phrase "for ever" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the enduring and perpetual nature of their commitment, underscoring the depth of their generational faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Rechabites' exemplary obedience to their human father's command, maintained for centuries, serves as a profound theological mirror reflecting Judah's egregious disobedience to their divine Father's covenant. This narrative underscores the biblical principle that genuine faith is demonstrated through consistent and unwavering obedience, not merely through ritual or profession. It highlights the importance of a spiritual heritage, where righteous principles are not only taught but lived out and passed down through generations, creating a legacy of faithfulness. The Rechabites' commitment to their vow, even when it meant resisting social norms or personal desires, exemplifies integrity and conviction, challenging believers to examine the depth of their own commitment to God's Word. Their story is a powerful reminder that God values a heart of obedience more than outward religious observance, and He uses even seemingly minor acts of faithfulness to expose greater spiritual failings.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching God's Commands to Children")
* [Psalm 78:5-8](/psalms/78-5 "Psalm 78:5-8 - Passing on God's Law to Future Generations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The steadfast obedience of the Rechabites in Jeremiah 35:6 offers a compelling challenge for contemporary believers. Their commitment to an ancestral command, maintained with unwavering consistency across generations, starkly contrasts with the often-casual approach many take toward God's eternal and life-giving commands. This passage compels us to examine the depth of our own obedience: do we honor God's Word with the same integrity and resolve that the Rechabites showed for a human vow? It also prompts reflection on the spiritual legacy we are building. Are we intentionally cultivating a heritage of faith, discipline, and devotion to God that will endure in our families and communities beyond our lifetime, much like Jonadab did for his descendants? The Rechabites' willingness to stand firm in their convictions, even when challenged in a sacred space, serves as a powerful reminder for us to maintain our Christian integrity in a world that constantly pressures us to conform, trusting that our faithfulness, however small, can be a powerful testimony to God's enduring truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to compromise God's commands, and how can the Rechabites' example inspire greater resolve?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy am I actively building for future generations, and how can I ensure it is rooted in unwavering obedience to God?**
* **How does my commitment to biblical principles compare to the Rechabites' commitment to their ancestral vow, especially when faced with societal pressures or personal convenience?**

### FAQ

**Who were the Rechabites, and why were they significant in this passage?**

Answer: The Rechabites were a distinct, non-Israelite clan, possibly descendants of the Kenites, who lived according to strict rules laid down by their ancestor, Jonadab (or Jehonadab), centuries earlier. These rules included abstaining from wine, not building houses, not sowing seed, and living in tents. Their significance in Jeremiah 35 lies in their unwavering and intergenerational obedience to these human commands. God used their steadfast faithfulness as a powerful object lesson to expose and rebuke the persistent disobedience of the people of Judah and Jerusalem to His divine covenant commands, highlighting Judah's spiritual rebellion by contrast.

**Why did Jonadab command his descendants to abstain from wine and live nomadically?**

Answer: While the Bible doesn't explicitly state Jonadab's full reasoning, his commands were likely intended to preserve a simple, pure devotion to Yahweh and guard his descendants against the corrupting influences associated with settled, agricultural, and urban life. In ancient Israel, settled life often led to the adoption of Canaanite idolatry, moral decay, and dependence on material possessions. By abstaining from wine and living a nomadic lifestyle, the Rechabites maintained a distinct identity, fostering a spirit of detachment from worldly comforts and a greater reliance on God, similar in principle to the Nazirite vow (see [Numbers 6:1-4](/numbers/6-1 "Numbers 6:1-4 - The Nazirite Vow")).

**What was the main message God intended for Judah by using the Rechabites as an example?**

Answer: The main message was a stark rebuke and a call to repentance. God intended to show Judah how shameful their disobedience was by contrasting it with the Rechabites' unwavering obedience to a mere human command. If a human directive could be honored with such integrity for centuries, how much more should Judah have honored the commands of the Almighty God, who had delivered them and established a covenant with them? The Rechabites' faithfulness served as a mirror reflecting Judah's profound spiritual laxity, rebellion, and ingratitude, underscoring the severity of their impending judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unwavering obedience of the Rechabites, though commendable, ultimately points to the perfect and ultimate obedience of Jesus Christ. While the Rechabites faithfully kept a human command, Christ perfectly fulfilled every divine command and the entire Law of God (as seen in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Their refusal to drink wine, symbolizing separation and purity, foreshadows Christ's ultimate act of self-emptying and separation from sin on the cross, where He became the spotless Lamb of God (referenced in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Unlike the temporary nature of human vows, Jesus' obedience established an eternal covenant, sealed by His blood, offering true and lasting redemption (as described in [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). The Rechabites' generational faithfulness, though admirable, is transcended by Christ, who is the true "Father" of an eternal spiritual lineage, bringing forth sons and daughters into God's kingdom not by human command but by divine grace through faith in Him (as promised in [John 1:12-13](/john/1-12 "John 1:12-13 - Children of God by Faith")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of perfect obedience and the source of true spiritual heritage for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Luke 1:15

For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

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.

Judges 13:7

But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean [thing]: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.

Leviticus 10:9

Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: [it shall be] a statute for ever throughout your generations:

Judges 13:14

She may not eat of any [thing] that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean [thing]: all that I commanded her let her observe.

1 Chronicles 16:19

When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.