Jeremiah 35

< Back to Jeremiah Index

TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Fidelity of the Rechabites

The fidelity of the Rechabites should not be used as a proof text against alcoholic beverages.
The fidelity of the Rechabites should be used as a proof text for loyal commitment.

The setting of the events of this chapter was in the day of King Jehoiakim of Judah, who reigned before King Zedekiah, probably around 600 BC. These events occurred before the events of chapter 34. However, they are recorded here to show the _______________ of the Rechabites in contrast to the __________________ of Judah.
Who were the Rechabites? They originated how many years before this time?
What role had the family line of Rechab played in the eradication of Baal worship during the earlier reign of King Jehu? (See 2 Kings 10:15-28.)
What was the offer made to the Rechabites by Jeremiah that they refused?
Unlike the Nazarites, who usually took temporary vows, the Rechabites followed the commands of their father Jonadab for what period of time?

The events concerning the Rechabites are brought in here to show the faithfulness of the Rechabites to their father’s commands in contrast to the unfaithfulness of Judah to the Lord’s commands.
The Rechabites were an extended family group in Israel who followed a simple, nomadic, puritanical lifestyle. They were started by Jonadab, son of Rechab in the days of Jehu, king of the northern kingdom of Israel about 250 years before this time. Jonadab, as the family leader, had instructed his descendants concerning their lifestyle.
Jonadab, the son of Rechab, had assisted Jehu in eradicating Baal worship from Israel. These events, recorded in 2 Kings 10:15-28, detail the destruction of the temple of Baal and the worshipers of Baal.
Jeremiah, in obedience to the Lord’s command, offered the Rechabites wine to drink. In obedience to their father Jonadab’s commands, the Rechabites replied, “we will drink no wine.”
The Rechabites followed the commands of their father for life.

Can you identify people in your fellowship group or church who live a simple, puritanical lifestyle that is honoring to the Lord? Consider how these folks have, or may have, a positive spiritual and practical influence on your group or congregation.

How does your fidelity, loyalty and obedience to the Lord compare to that of the Rechabites to their father? Are your thoughts and actions in accordance with His commands in Scripture? Are you being faithful in living a life that is not only pleasing to Him but is a godly witness to others?

“Surely the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them, but these people have not obeyed Me.” Jeremiah 35:16