Jeremiah 35:9

Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed:

Nor to build {H1129} houses {H1004} for us to dwell in {H3427}: neither have we vineyard {H3754}, nor field {H7704}, nor seed {H2233}:

not to build houses for ourselves to live in; and not to have vineyards, fields or seed.

Nor have we built houses in which to live, and we have not owned any vineyards or fields or crops.

nor to build houses for us to dwell in; neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed:

Context

Jeremiah 35:9 is part of a significant passage in the Book of Jeremiah where God instructs the prophet to test the obedience of the Rechabites. This unique group, descendants of Jonadab the son of Rechab, lived by strict ancestral commands. In the preceding verses, Jeremiah offers them wine, which they refuse, explaining their commitment to their forefather's decrees (Jeremiah 35:6-8). Verse 9 continues their explanation, detailing another aspect of their inherited vow: their nomadic, non-agricultural lifestyle. This passage serves as a stark contrast to the persistent disobedience of the people of Judah, whom God had repeatedly called to repentance through His prophets, including Jeremiah.

Key Themes

  • Radical Obedience: The Rechabites demonstrate an unwavering, multi-generational commitment to their ancestor's commands. Their refusal to build houses, plant vineyards, or sow fields highlights a deep-seated adherence to a tradition that prioritizes simplicity and detachment from settled, land-owning life. This stands in stark contrast to the disobedience of Israel to God's covenant commands (Jeremiah 35:13-14).
  • Simplicity and Detachment from Materialism: By deliberately avoiding permanent dwellings and agricultural pursuits, the Rechabites embraced a lifestyle of intentional simplicity. They did not accumulate property or seek the comforts of a settled existence, choosing instead to live in tents. This detachment from worldly possessions was central to their identity and perhaps a way to avoid the corrupting influences of the surrounding cultures.
  • Nomadic Identity: Their commitment to not building houses or owning land underscored their nomadic heritage. This lifestyle helped preserve their distinct identity and perhaps their purity, as they remained separate from the more settled and often idolatrous practices of the Canaanite and Israelite societies around them.
  • The Power of a Legacy: Jonadab's commands had such a profound impact that they were faithfully observed for generations. This illustrates the enduring influence of parental instruction and the importance of passing down godly principles, whether positive or negative, through a family line.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "seed" here is zera' (זרע), which in this agricultural context refers to planting seed, not offspring. It emphasizes their complete abstention from farming, reinforcing their nomadic, non-settled way of life. The phrase "to dwell in" (לָשֶׁבֶת בָּהֶם, lashevet bahem) highlights the permanence and rootedness associated with houses, which they deliberately avoided.

Practical Application

The Rechabites' story, particularly their dedication described in Jeremiah 35:9, challenges believers today to consider their own level of obedience to God's commands. While we are not called to a nomadic lifestyle or to shun houses and fields, the principle of radical obedience to God's Word remains paramount. This verse encourages us to:

  • Examine Our Priorities: Are we overly attached to material possessions or worldly comforts, or are we willing to live simply and be distinct for the Lord's sake?
  • Embrace Obedience: Just as the Rechabites faithfully kept their ancestor's word, we are called to obey God's commands, even when they are counter-cultural or require personal sacrifice. True faithfulness is demonstrated through consistent action, not just profession (Luke 11:28).
  • Consider Our Legacy: The Rechabites' story reminds us that our choices and principles can have a profound, lasting impact on future generations. What kind of spiritual legacy are we building for our families and communities?
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 Timothy 6:6

    ¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

  • Psalms 37:16

    A little that a righteous man hath [is] better than the riches of many wicked.

  • Jeremiah 35:7

    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.

  • Numbers 16:14

    Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up.

  • 2 Kings 5:26

    And he said unto him, Went not mine heart [with thee], when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? [Is it] a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?
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