Jeremiah 35:11
But when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, we said, ‘Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans and the army of the Syrians.’ So we are living in Jerusalem.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Rechabites explain their temporary move to Jerusalem not as a rejection of their ancestral vows, but as a necessary measure for survival against the invading armies. Their ability to swiftly relocate to the city, leaving behind possessions they didn't own, highlights the unexpected advantage of their nomadic, austere lifestyle when facing real-world danger.
The Rechabites are explaining to the prophet Jeremiah why they are currently living in Jerusalem, which goes against their ancestor's commands to live in tents and abstain from wine. They clarify that they only sought refuge in the city out of fear during a specific invasion by Nebuchadnezzar's armies, which included Chaldean and Syrian forces, around the time King Jehoiakim revolted. This temporary move to a fortified city was a necessity driven by the threat of war, not a permanent abandonment of their ancestral way of life.
The Rechabites were known for their commitment to a nomadic, tent-dwelling lifestyle. So why were they found in the bustling city of Jerusalem?
The Rechabites explain their presence in Jerusalem as a direct response to an overwhelming threat. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had invaded their land, bringing with him armies of Chaldeans and Syrians.
This wasn't a choice born of comfort or preference. It was a strategic move for survival.
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In times of crisis, what seems like a disadvantage can actually become a surprising strength. The Rechabites' simple life proved to be just that.
Jonadab, the father of the Rechabites, had a profound foresight when he commanded his descendants to live in tents, abstain from wine, and avoid settled life. While this might seem like a life of hardship, it provided them with an incredible advantage during Nebuchadnezzar's invasion.
Understand the original words
Nebukadnetstsar · Hebrew Proper Noun
An ancient Mesopotamian empire, often serving as God's instrument of judgment against disobedient nations, particularly Judah. Its power represents the transient, worldly strength that human nations trust in rather than the LORD.
The Rechabites' temporary move into Jerusalem during Nebuchadnezzar's invasion wasn't a rejection of their heritage, but a pragmatic decision for survival. It highlights how even strict obedience to tradition can face extraordinary circumstances, and their ability to adapt stemmed from the very lifestyle their ancestor, Jonadab, had prescribed.
605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's first invasion
Nebuchadnezzar, crown prince of Babylon, defeats Egyptian forces at Carchemish and pursues them into Judah. He deports some Judeans, including Daniel, and makes Jehoiakim king, requiring tribute.
601 BC
Jehoiakim revolts
After a period of paying tribute, King Jehoiakim of Judah rebels against Babylonian rule, likely encouraged by Egypt's military strength.
598-597 BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's second invasion
Nebuchadnezzar returns to subdue Judah. His forces besiege Jerusalem, and King Jehoiakim dies during the siege. His son Jehoiachin is captured and deported to Babylon along with many others.
597 BC
Siege of Jerusalem
The armies of Babylonians and their Syrian allies lay siege to Jerusalem. The Rechabites, fearing for their lives from foraging enemy soldiers and the general devastation, decide to take shelter within the city walls.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, deporting most of the remaining population to Babylon. This marks the end of the southern kingdom of Judah.
This passage describes the historical event of Nebuchadnezzar's invasion, which directly led the Rechabites to seek refuge in Jerusalem as mentioned in Jeremiah 35:11.
Jeremiah 4:6This verse speaks of fleeing to Jerusalem for safety from an invading enemy, paralleling the Rechabites' rationale for entering the city during a time of crisis.
Joshua 18:1This verse records the Israelites setting up the tent of meeting in Shiloh, highlighting the contrast with the Rechabites' nomadic lifestyle and their temporary dwelling in a city.
Proverbs 22:29This proverb speaks about standing before kings, which can be seen as a parallel to the Rechabites' eventual prominent position and the commendation they received for their obedience, even when their circumstances shifted.
barnesJeremiah 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."
The Syrians - The Septuagint substitutes Assyrians for Syrians, but marauding bands of the Aramaeans are probably meant.
pooleJeremiah 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."
When the Chaldean army came into the land, they saw there would be no quiet abode for them any where but in some fortified place. The Syrians joined with the Chaldeans in this war, as we read, 2 Kings 24:2 . This they tell the prophet was the reaso…
The Rechabites explain their temporary move to Jerusalem not as a rejection of their ancestral vows, but as a necessary measure for survival against the invading armies. Their ability to swiftly relocate to the city, leaving behind possessions they didn't own, highlights the unexpected advantage of their nomadic, austere lifestyle when facing real-world danger.
The Rechabites are explaining to the prophet Jeremiah why they are currently living in Jerusalem, which goes against their ancestor's commands to live in tents and abstain from wine. They clarify that they only sought refuge in the city out of fear during a specific invasion by Nebuchadnezzar's armies, which included Chaldean and Syrian forces, around the time King Jehoiakim revolted. This temporary move to a fortified city was a necessity driven by the threat of war, not a permanent abandonment of their ancestral way of life.
The Rechabites are explaining to the prophet Jeremiah why they are currently living in Jerusalem, which goes against their ancestor's commands to live in tents and abstain from wine. They clarify that they only sought refuge in the city out of fear during a specific invasion by Nebuchadnezzar's armies, which included Chaldean and Syrian forces, around the time King Jehoiakim revolted. This temporary move to a fortified city was a necessity driven by the threat of war, not a permanent abandonment of their ancestral way of life.
"But when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, we said, ‘Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans and the army of the Syrians.’ So we are living in Jerusalem.”" — The Rechabites explain their temporary move to Jerusalem not as a rejection of their ancestral vows, but as a necessary measure for survival against the invading armies. Their ability to swiftly relo…
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