Jeremiah 35:7

KJV

Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have [any]: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye [be] strangers.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither shall ye build {H1129} house {H1004}, nor sow {H2232} seed {H2233}, nor plant {H5193} vineyard {H3754}, nor have any: but all your days {H3117} ye shall dwell {H3427} in tents {H168}; that ye may live {H2421} many {H7227} days {H3117} in {H6440} the land {H127} where ye be strangers {H1481}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also you are not to build houses, sow seed, or plant or own vineyards. Rather, you are always to live in tents; so that you may live a long time in the land, in which you are not citizens.'

Berean Standard Bible

Nor are you ever to build a house or sow seed or plant a vineyard. Those things are not for you. Instead, you must live in tents all your lives, so that you may live a long time in the land where you wander.’

American Standard Version

neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any; but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land wherein ye sojourn.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 35:7 encapsulates the core of the Rechabites' ancestral vow: a radical commitment to a nomadic, unattached lifestyle. They were forbidden from building permanent houses, sowing crops, or planting vineyards, commanded instead to dwell perpetually in tents. This distinctive way of life was intended to ensure their longevity in the land where they lived as sojourners, serving as a powerful, living rebuke to the disobedient people of Judah, who had repeatedly rejected God's commands despite His persistent calls through the prophets.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 35 presents a striking object lesson designed by God to shame the unfaithful people of Judah. The prophet Jeremiah is commanded by the Lord to bring the Rechabites into the temple courts and offer them wine, testing their resolve. Their steadfast refusal, based on the centuries-old command of their ancestor Jonadab, son of Rechab, stands in stark contrast to Judah's consistent disobedience to God's own covenant commands. This verse, Jeremiah 35:7, articulates the specific, foundational tenets of the Rechabite vow, explaining *why* they refused the wine and lived as they did. The entire chapter functions as a prophetic parable, highlighting the Rechabites' multi-generational faithfulness to a human command versus Judah's persistent rebellion against the divine word, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 35:15](/jeremiah/35-15 "Jeremiah 35:15 - God's Persistent Warnings to Judah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 35 unfold during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely during the reign of King Jehoiakim (c. 609-598 BC), a time marked by widespread idolatry, social injustice, and political instability under the looming threat of Babylonian invasion. The Rechabites were a distinct, semi-nomadic clan, possibly Kenites, who had long maintained their unique way of life, eschewing the settled agricultural and urban existence common in Judah. Their ancestor, Jonadab, was known for his zeal for the Lord, having assisted Jehu in purging Baal worship from Israel centuries earlier (cf. [2 Kings 10:15-27](/2_kings/10-15 "2 Kings 10:15-27 - Jonadab's Zeal for the Lord")). Their adherence to a simple, unattached lifestyle was a counter-cultural statement, a perpetual reminder of their distinct identity and perhaps a deliberate rejection of the corrupting influences of settled, urban life that had led Judah astray.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Obedience and Faithfulness**, presenting the Rechabites as an exemplary model of unwavering adherence to a command, even across generations. Their faithfulness to a human father's word serves as a powerful indictment of Judah's unfaithfulness to their divine Father's word. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Distinctive Living**, as the Rechabites' nomadic, non-agricultural lifestyle set them apart from the surrounding settled society, symbolizing a detachment from worldly comforts and a commitment to a disciplined existence. This resonates with the broader biblical call for God's people to be set apart, as seen in [Leviticus 20:26](/leviticus/20-26 "Leviticus 20:26 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy"). Finally, the concept of living as "strangers" in the land reinforces the theme of **Sojourning and Pilgrimage**, a recurrent motif throughout Scripture for God's people who are ultimately looking for a heavenly city, as described in [Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13-16 - Pilgrims on Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **build (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** H1129, a primitive root meaning "to build" literally and figuratively. In this context, it refers to the construction of permanent dwellings, specifically "house" (H1004, _bayith_), which signifies a settled, rooted existence. The prohibition against building houses was fundamental to the Rechabites' identity, preventing them from establishing deep roots in any particular place and reinforcing their transient status.
* **tents (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_):** H168, from a root meaning "to be clearly conspicuous from a distance"; a tent, as a dwelling place or tabernacle. The command to dwell in tents directly opposes the act of building houses, symbolizing a life of simplicity, mobility, and non-attachment to material possessions or fixed locations. This nomadic dwelling was central to their ancestral covenant and served as a visible sign of their distinct identity.
* **strangers (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** H1481, a primitive root meaning "to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e. sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place)." This word emphasizes their status as temporary residents or sojourners in the land, not permanent inhabitants. The Rechabites' tent-dwelling lifestyle physically embodied this "stranger" status, highlighting their detachment from the land's ownership and its associated temptations, even after generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have [any]:"** This opening clause outlines the four key prohibitions that defined the Rechabite way of life. The refusal to "build house" signifies a rejection of permanent settlement and material accumulation. "Nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard" prohibits engagement in agriculture, which is the primary economic activity of a settled society and ties one to a specific plot of land. The phrase "nor have [any]" (an ellipsis in the KJV, implying "any of these things" or "any such possessions") underscores their complete detachment from land ownership and the trappings of a settled, affluent lifestyle. These commands collectively ensured their nomadic, unrooted existence.
* **"but all your days ye shall dwell in tents;"** This clause presents the positive command that complements the prohibitions. Instead of permanent structures, their dwelling was to be temporary "tents." This was not merely a practical choice but a foundational principle, a perpetual embodiment of their commitment to simplicity, mobility, and non-attachment. It meant embracing a life of dependence and distinctiveness, setting them apart from the settled, land-owning culture of Judah.
* **"that ye may live many days in the land where ye [be] strangers."** This final clause reveals the promised outcome and purpose of their strict adherence. The longevity ("many days") in the land, even as "strangers" or sojourners, suggests a divine blessing or a natural consequence of their disciplined life. Their transient status was not a curse but a means to preserve their identity and perhaps protect them from the spiritual decay that often accompanied settled prosperity. It highlights a paradoxical truth: by refusing to "own" the land, they were granted continued existence within it.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 35:7, within its broader context, primarily employs **Contrast** and functions as an **Object Lesson**. The Rechabites' unwavering, multi-generational obedience, as detailed in this verse, stands in stark contrast to the persistent disobedience of the people of Judah, making their faithfulness a powerful indictment of Judah's rebellion. The entire narrative of Jeremiah 35 serves as an **Object Lesson**, where the Rechabites' lifestyle and commitment are presented as a living sermon, demonstrating what faithful adherence to a command looks like. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Symbolism**: the "tents" symbolize a life of transience, simplicity, and non-attachment to worldly possessions and security, while "building houses" and "planting vineyards" symbolize settled prosperity and integration into the dominant, often corrupt, culture. Their identity as "strangers" is also symbolic, representing a people whose ultimate allegiance and home lie elsewhere, a spiritual truth for all who follow God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Rechabites' radical obedience to their forefather's command, as articulated in Jeremiah 35:7, serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of faithfulness and the blessings that flow from it. Their disciplined life, marked by detachment from material possessions and a transient existence, mirrors a spiritual principle found throughout Scripture: that God's people are often called to live distinctively, prioritizing eternal values over earthly comforts. Their commitment to living as "strangers" in the land foreshadows the New Testament concept of believers as pilgrims and sojourners, whose true citizenship is in heaven, and who are called to live with a heavenly perspective while on earth. This passage challenges believers to consider the depth of their own commitment to God's commands, which are infinitely more weighty than any human precept.

* [Deuteronomy 5:33](/deuteronomy/5-33 "The Promise of Longevity for Obedience")
* [Psalm 119:1-2](/psalm/119-1 "Blessed are Those Who Walk in the Law of the Lord")
* [1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "Believers as Sojourners and Exiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 35:7, through the compelling example of the Rechabites, calls us to a deeper reflection on the nature of our own obedience and priorities. In a world that constantly encourages accumulation, settlement, and comfort, the Rechabites' commitment to a simple, unattached, and transient lifestyle challenges us to examine our own level of spiritual detachment from the world's allurements. Their faithfulness to a human command, even centuries later, should stir our hearts to an even greater, unwavering devotion to the infinitely wise and loving commands of our Heavenly Father. Living as "strangers" in the land reminds us that our true home is not here, fostering a heavenly mindset that prioritizes eternal investments over temporal gains. This passage encourages us to cultivate a counter-cultural distinctiveness, willing to forgo certain societal norms or comforts if it means living more fully in alignment with God's word and testifying to His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "houses," "seeds," or "vineyards" (i.e., worldly attachments or comforts) might God be calling me to detach from in order to live more faithfully as a "stranger" in this world?**
* **How does the Rechabites' multi-generational obedience challenge my own consistency and commitment to God's commands in my daily life?**
* **In what ways can I practically cultivate a "tent-dwelling" mindset, prioritizing spiritual pilgrimage over earthly security and accumulation?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the Rechabites' nomadic lifestyle?**

Answer: The Rechabites' nomadic lifestyle, characterized by dwelling in tents and abstaining from building houses, sowing seeds, or planting vineyards (as stated in [Jeremiah 35:7](/jeremiah/35-7 "The Rechabite Vow")), was deeply significant. It symbolized their complete detachment from the settled, agricultural, and urban life of Judah, which was often associated with idolatry and moral corruption. Their transient existence served as a perpetual reminder of their distinct identity, their commitment to simplicity, and their non-reliance on worldly possessions. This lifestyle also likely preserved their purity and faithfulness to their ancestral vow, protecting them from the temptations that came with prosperity and permanent settlement.

**Why did God use the Rechabites as an example for Judah?**

Answer: God used the Rechabites as a living object lesson to expose and condemn Judah's profound disobedience and spiritual hypocrisy. The Rechabites demonstrated unwavering, multi-generational faithfulness to a human command, even a restrictive one, given by their ancestor Jonadab (as detailed in [Jeremiah 35:6-8](/jeremiah/35-6 "The Rechabites' Obedience to Jonadab")). This stood in stark contrast to the people of Judah, who consistently rebelled against God's own divine commands, despite His persistent warnings delivered through prophets like Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 35:14-15](/jeremiah/35-14 "Judah's Disobedience Contrasted")). The Rechabites' faithfulness highlighted Judah's inexcusable lack of reverence and obedience to their infinitely greater Heavenly Father.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 35:7 describes the Rechabites' obedience to a human command, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate obedience and pilgrimage embodied by Jesus Christ and called for in His followers. Jesus Himself lived a life of radical detachment, declaring that "the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Jesus' Homelessness")). He perfectly fulfilled the will of His Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")). The Rechabites' identity as "strangers" in the land resonates deeply with the New Testament understanding of believers as "aliens and strangers" on earth, whose true citizenship is in heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). We are called to live as spiritual pilgrims, not building our permanent homes here, but rather seeking the "city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God" ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "The Heavenly City")). The Rechabites' disciplined life in tents, prioritizing their ancestral covenant over worldly comforts, serves as a type for the Christian's call to deny self, take up their cross, and follow Christ, living with an eternal perspective that transcends the temporary allurements of this world ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me")).

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

Jeremiah 35:10

But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.

Exodus 20:12

¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Genesis 25:27

And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob [was] a plain man, dwelling in tents.

Ephesians 6:2

Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

Ephesians 6:3

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Leviticus 23:42

Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths:

Leviticus 23:43

That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I [am] the LORD your God.