### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Rêkâb**, represented by `{{H7394}}`, is a proper name used for several individuals in the Old Testament. It appears **13 times** across **13 unique verses**. The name identifies multiple figures, but its most prominent association is with the patriarch of the Rechabites, a group renowned for their unwavering obedience to ancestral commands.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the name **Rechab** `{{H7394}}` is attached to distinct characters and legacies. The most notable is the father of Jehonadab, whose descendants are praised for their faithfulness. They obeyed their ancestor's command to not drink wine `{{H3196}}`, a commitment held for generations ([[Jeremiah 35:6]], 8). This obedience is used by God as a powerful contrast to Israel's disobedience [[Jeremiah 35:14]]. Another **Rechab**, son of Rimmon the Beerothite `{{H886}}`, was a captain who, with his brother, murdered Saul's son Ishbosheth ([[2 Samuel 4:2]], 5-6). A third individual, Malchiah son of **Rechab**, is mentioned as a ruler who helped repair the Dung Gate of Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 3:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the contexts in which **Rêkâb** appears:
* `{{H3082}}` **Yᵉhôwnâdâb** (Jehonadab, Jonadab): This is the son of Rechab who established his family's strict code of conduct. His commands are the centerpiece of the narrative in Jeremiah [[Jeremiah 35:6]] and he is also seen accompanying Jehu in his purge of Baal worship [[2 Kings 10:15]].
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently, obey): This verb is crucial to the story of the Rechabites. They **obeyed** the voice of their ancestor Jonadab [[Jeremiah 35:8]], while God points out that the people of Israel had not **hearkened** to Him [[Jeremiah 35:16]].
* `{{H4687}}` **mitsvâh** (a command, whether human or divine): The faithfulness of the Rechabites is demonstrated by their performance of their father's **commandment** [[Jeremiah 35:16]]. This is contrasted with Israel's failure to keep God's commandments.
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of **Rêkâb** is primarily found in the story of his descendants, the Rechabites.
* **The Power of an Ancestral Command:** The story highlights the enduring power of a patriarchal command. The sons of Jonadab, son of **Rechab**, performed the instructions of their father for centuries, demonstrating a profound level of familial piety and obedience [[Jeremiah 35:14]].
* **A Model of Faithfulness:** The Rechabites serve as a living parable. God uses their unwavering loyalty to a human father's command to expose and condemn Israel's repeated failure to obey their divine Father [[Jeremiah 35:16]].
* **The Blessing of Obedience:** For their steadfast obedience, a divine promise is given. God declares that Jonadab the son of **Rechab** will never lack a descendant to **stand** `{{H5975}}` before Him, securing their lineage and place in God's presence [[Jeremiah 35:19]].
### Summary
In summary, **Rêkâb** `{{H7394}}` is more than a simple name; it is the anchor for a powerful biblical illustration of legacy and faithfulness. While the name is also associated with a treacherous murderer [[2 Samuel 4:2]], its primary significance comes from the "house of Rechab" [[1 Chronicles 2:55]]. This lineage provides a timeless example of steadfast obedience to a father's word, serving as a benchmark against which the disobedience of a nation is measured and judged.
TRV