Jeremiah 35:8-9
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The Rechabites emphasize that Jonadab's command to abstain from wine was for "all our days" and extended to "we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters." This wasn't just a personal choice or a temporary observance; it was a deeply ingrained family legacy passed down through generations, highlighting a profound commitment to obedience that put their own family's ingrained habits and desires aside entirely.
We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, to drink no wine all our days, ourselves, our wives, our sons, or our daughters, and not to build houses to dwell in. We have no vineyard or field or seed,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah brings a group of Rechabites into the temple to test them, contrasting their unwavering obedience to their ancestor Jonadab’s commands with Israel’s disobedience to God. The Rechabites explain that they have faithfully followed Jonadab's instructions for generations, including abstaining from wine, building houses, and living in tents, as their father had commanded them. This highlights their deep commitment to their ancestral traditions, even when faced with hardship or temptation, which Jeremiah uses as a stark example for the people of Judah.
Imagine a command given by someone who died centuries ago. How could such a command still hold such power?
The Rechabites' obedience wasn't just about following rules; it was about honoring the legacy of Jonadab, their 'father' – not just an ancestor, but the founder of their way of life.
In a world that often celebrates indulgence, what does it mean to embrace 'lawful delights' being denied?
The Rechabites' commitment to abstain from wine wasn't arbitrary; it was a deliberate choice with significant implications for their lifestyle and identity.
Ask a follow-up
How could the obedience of a small, distinct group serve as a powerful indictment against a whole nation?
Jeremiah uses the Rechabites' steadfast obedience to highlight the disobedience of his own people, the Israelites.
Understand the original words
shama · Hebrew Verb
Refers to the act of following instructions or mandates issued by a superior, God, or an ancestor; it encompasses both the attitude of submission and the outward action of compliance.
The Rechabites' unwavering obedience to Jonadab's ancient command stands in stark contrast to Judah's disobedience to God, highlighting the depth of their spiritual unfaithfulness amidst impending national catastrophe.
c. 840 BC
Jonadab's Vow
Jonadab son of Rechab instructs his descendants to abstain from wine, avoid building houses, and live in tents, fostering a nomadic, self-denying lifestyle.
c. 628 BC
Early Reforms of Josiah
King Josiah begins religious reforms in Judah, centralizing worship and attempting to purge idolatry, creating a context of renewed covenant faithfulness for the people.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, conquers Judah and deports a first group of exiles, including nobles and skilled workers, to Babylon, signaling the impending doom of Jerusalem.
c. 601 BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's Invasion of Judah
Nebuchadnezzar launches an invasion of Judah, prompting many citizens, including the Rechabites, to seek refuge within the walls of Jerusalem.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar deport King Jehoiachin and a larger segment of the population, including the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining population to Babylon, marking the end of the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
This passage highlights that obedience is far more valuable to God than sacrifice, mirroring the Rechabites' unwavering adherence to their father's command over their own desires.
Proverbs 23:20-21Here, wisdom warns against excessive wine-drinking and gluttony, reinforcing the Rechabites' disciplined lifestyle chosen to avoid such temptations and live a more focused life.
Hebrews 11:13-16This passage speaks of Old Testament saints who lived as foreigners and acknowledged they were seeking a heavenly homeland, much like the Rechabites lived in tents, embracing a transient lifestyle in obedience to their ancestor's command.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20This New Testament passage calls believers to honor God with their bodies, suggesting a framework for understanding the Rechabites' deliberate choice to abstain from wine as a way to live a life dedicated to their father's principles and, by extension, to God's honor.
barnesJeremiah 35:8: "Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;"
Our father - Not merely our ancestor, but the founder of our institutions.
calvinJeremiah 35:8-10: "Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;"
Et audivimus in voce (hoc est, obedivimus voci) Jenadab, filii Rechab, patris nostri, secundum omnia qute mandavit nobis, ne biberemus vinum cunctus diebus nostris, nos, uxores nostrae, filii nostri, et filiae nostrae;
Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field,…
The Rechabites emphasize that Jonadab's command to abstain from wine was for "all our days" and extended to "we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters." This wasn't just a personal choice or a temporary observance; it was a deeply ingrained family legacy passed down through generations, highlighting a profound commitment to obedience that put their own family's ingrained habits and desires aside entirely.
Jeremiah brings a group of Rechabites into the temple to test them, contrasting their unwavering obedience to their ancestor Jonadab’s commands with Israel’s disobedience to God. The Rechabites explain that they have faithfully followed Jonadab's instructions for generations, including abstaining from wine, building houses, and living in tents, as their father had commanded them. This highlights their deep commitment to their ancestral traditions, even when faced with hardship or temptation, which Jeremiah uses as a stark example for the people of Judah.
Jeremiah brings a group of Rechabites into the temple to test them, contrasting their unwavering obedience to their ancestor Jonadab’s commands with Israel’s disobedience to God. The Rechabites explain that they have faithfully followed Jonadab's instructions for generations, including abstaining from wine, building houses, and living in tents, as their father had commanded them. This highlights their deep commitment to their ancestral traditions, even when faced with hardship or temptation, which Jeremiah uses as a stark example for the people of Judah.
"We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, to drink no wine all our days, ourselves, our wives, our sons, or our daughters, and not to build houses to dwell in. We have no vineyard or fi…" — The Rechabites emphasize that Jonadab's command to abstain from wine was for "all our days" and extended to "we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters." This wasn't just a personal choice or a tempo…
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Last reviewed October 2026
