Jeremiah 35:11

But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem.

But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} came up {H5927} into the land {H776}, that we said {H559}, Come {H935}, and let us go {H935} to Jerusalem {H3389} for fear {H6440} of the army {H2428} of the Chaldeans {H3778}, and for fear {H6440} of the army {H2428} of the Syrians {H758}: so we dwell {H3427} at Jerusalem {H3389}.

But when N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel came up to attack the land, we said, 'Come, let's go up to Yerushalayim,' because we were afraid of the army of the Kasdim and the army of Aram; hence we are living in Yerushalayim."

So when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched into the land, we said: โ€˜Come, let us go into Jerusalem to escape the armies of the Chaldeans and the Arameans.โ€™ So we have remained in Jerusalem.โ€

But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians; so we dwell at Jerusalem.

Commentary

Jeremiah 35:11 records the explanation given by the Rechabites for their temporary relocation to Jerusalem. They state that the advance of the Babylonian and Syrian armies into the land prompted them to seek refuge within the city walls out of fear for their safety.

Context

This verse is part of Jeremiah chapter 35, where God uses the example of the Rechabites' steadfast obedience to their ancestor Jonadab's command as a stark contrast to the people of Judah's disobedience to God's commands. The Rechabites were a nomadic group who had vowed not to drink wine, build houses, sow seed, or plant vineyards, but to live in tents.

The historical setting is during the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, a time when the powerful Babylonian empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar, was expanding its control and threatening Judah. The "army of the Chaldeans" refers specifically to the Babylonians. The "army of the Syrians" likely refers to Syrian forces allied with Babylon or operating in conjunction with them against Judah.

Key Themes

  • Obedience Under Pressure: While the Rechabites were known for their strict adherence to their ancestral vows (see Jeremiah 35:6), this verse shows them making a practical, temporary adjustment (moving to Jerusalem) out of necessity due to external threat. Their core vow of not settling permanently remained intact.
  • Seeking Refuge: The fear of the invading armies drove them to seek safety within the fortified city of Jerusalem. This highlights the human instinct to find protection in times of danger.
  • The Reality of Threat: The verse underscores the very real and imminent danger posed by the Babylonian and Syrian forces, which was a major theme throughout Jeremiah's prophecies.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Chaldeans" (ื›ึทึผืฉึฐื‚ื“ึดึผื™ื, Kasdim) is another common name used in the Old Testament for the Babylonians, particularly referring to the dominant tribe or ruling class of Babylon. The Hebrew word for "fear" (ื™ึดืจึฐืึธื”, yir'ah) here indicates a natural response to a terrifying situation, distinct from reverential fear of God.

Reflection

This simple statement from the Rechabites reveals their vulnerability to the same external pressures facing all the inhabitants of the land. Their decision to enter Jerusalem was a practical response to a clear and present danger, not a renunciation of their core identity or vow. It serves as a backdrop for God's commendation of their consistency compared to Judah's inconsistency, highlighting that even practical adjustments must be made within the framework of one's commitments, while ultimately understanding that true refuge is found in God.

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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

  • Jeremiah 8:14 (4 votes)

    Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 4:5 (3 votes)

    ยถ Declare ye in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, Blow ye the trumpet in the land: cry, gather together, and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities.

  • Jeremiah 4:7 (3 votes)

    The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; [and] thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.

  • Daniel 1:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.

  • Daniel 1:2 (3 votes)

    And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

  • 2 Kings 24:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.

  • 2 Kings 24:2 (3 votes)

    And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets.