This verse from Jeremiah 35:6 is part of a larger narrative about the Rechabites, a clan descended from Jonadab (Jehonadab) the son of Rechab. It highlights their unwavering obedience to a command given by their ancestor. Let's break it down:
"But they said, 'We will drink no wine;'": This shows the Rechabites' immediate and firm refusal to drink wine.
"for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, 'You shall drink no wine, neither you, nor your sons, forever.'": This provides the reason for their refusal. Jonadab, their ancestor and leader, had given them a perpetual commandment against drinking wine. This commandment was passed down through generations and was still being upheld.
What does it mean in the context of the story?
Obedience and Loyalty: The verse underscores the Rechabites' exceptional obedience and loyalty to their ancestor's command. They valued their tradition and adhered to it strictly, even when faced with the opportunity to drink wine offered by a prophet (Jeremiah).
Contrast with Israel's Disobedience: In the broader context of Jeremiah, this story serves as a stark contrast to the disobedience of the people of Judah to God's commands. God uses the Rechabites' faithfulness to a human command to rebuke the Israelites for their faithlessness to divine commands. They were following Jonadab while the Israelites were not following God.
Value of Tradition and Upright Living: The Rechabites' lifestyle, as dictated by Jonadab, included not only abstaining from wine but also living in tents and not owning land (Jeremiah 35:7). This was likely intended to be a simpler, more nomadic, and perhaps more righteous way of life, free from the corrupting influences of settled society.
God's Blessing for Obedience: Because of their faithfulness, God promises to bless the Rechabites. Jeremiah prophesies that they will never lack a descendant to stand before Him (Jeremiah 35:19).
In summary, Jeremiah 35:6 showcases the Rechabites' unwavering commitment to a command given by their ancestor, highlighting their obedience and loyalty. This obedience is used as a powerful example to contrast with the disobedience of the Israelites to God, emphasizing the importance of heeding divine commands and the blessings that follow obedience.
This verse from Jeremiah 35:6 is part of a larger narrative about the Rechabites, a clan descended from Jonadab (Jehonadab) the son of Rechab. It highlights their unwavering obedience to a command given by their ancestor. Let's break it down:
"But they said, 'We will drink no wine;'": This shows the Rechabites' immediate and firm refusal to drink wine.
"for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, 'You shall drink no wine, neither you, nor your sons, forever.'": This provides the reason for their refusal. Jonadab, their ancestor and leader, had given them a perpetual commandment against drinking wine. This commandment was passed down through generations and was still being upheld.
What does it mean in the context of the story?
Obedience and Loyalty: The verse underscores the Rechabites' exceptional obedience and loyalty to their ancestor's command. They valued their tradition and adhered to it strictly, even when faced with the opportunity to drink wine offered by a prophet (Jeremiah).
Contrast with Israel's Disobedience: In the broader context of Jeremiah, this story serves as a stark contrast to the disobedience of the people of Judah to God's commands. God uses the Rechabites' faithfulness to a human command to rebuke the Israelites for their faithlessness to divine commands. They were following Jonadab while the Israelites were not following God.
Value of Tradition and Upright Living: The Rechabites' lifestyle, as dictated by Jonadab, included not only abstaining from wine but also living in tents and not owning land (Jeremiah 35:7). This was likely intended to be a simpler, more nomadic, and perhaps more righteous way of life, free from the corrupting influences of settled society.
God's Blessing for Obedience: Because of their faithfulness, God promises to bless the Rechabites. Jeremiah prophesies that they will never lack a descendant to stand before Him (Jeremiah 35:19).
In summary, Jeremiah 35:6 showcases the Rechabites' unwavering commitment to a command given by their ancestor, highlighting their obedience and loyalty. This obedience is used as a powerful example to contrast with the disobedience of the Israelites to God, emphasizing the importance of heeding divine commands and the blessings that follow obedience.