October 19th, 2025: A Family's Example | Jeremiah 35:5-11

Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

“If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you jump off the bridge also?” Whether we like to think so or not, this argument is used by every parent, at some point or another. Today, many may not say “ jump off a bridge” but instead use words like “take drugs”, “drink alcohol”, or any of many other situations requiring individual thought. As a parent, many of us have learned that we can spare those we love the consequences of groupthink or ungodly thought by training them in Godly logical thought. Yes, humans have to be taught to think rightly. It begins with having a relationship with God and a consistent and continual study of His word. As Christians, we are to think independently and not give in to peer pressure, public sentiment, or false reasoning. The fact that God teaches us in the same way we are to teach our children should not surprise us.

Our Lesson in Jeremiah shows us that God, our Father, taught the nation of Judah using a live demonstration. Pray for discernment as we study. Let God show you how to think and reason confidently in the instruction of your Father!

Background

As Jeremiah dictates events for his scribe Baruch to record, remember that many times, prophets were asked to “act out” messages to draw attention to the seriousness of God and His message. Today’s chapter took place under King Jehoiakim in the first half of Jeremiah‘s ministry. The Bible is a book unlike any other. The reader must pay specific attention to each word and each event. The longer you study, the less you will see writings simply in chronological order, and the better you will see intent, content, and example

And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cups, and I said unto them, Drink ye wine.

So who are the Rechabites, and why would God use them in Jeremiah’s demonstration?   History tells us that Abraham married Keturah after the passing of Sarah. One of Abraham and Keturah’s sons was named Midian. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, was a priest of Midian and a Kenite.  It is believed the Rechabites are related directly to the Kenites and, by marriage, direct descendants of Jethro. Scripture tells us that they are the direct descendants of Rechab and Jehonadab. Jehonadab helped King Jehu destroy the Baal worship of King Ahab.  

And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot. And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord. So they made him ride in his chariot. And when he came to Samaria, he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria, till he had destroyed him, according to the saying of the Lord, which he spake to Elijah. (2 Kings 10:15-17).  

Some commentators believe the Rechabites were absorbed into the tribes of Levi and of Judah, even though they remained primarily nomadic and lived in tents. 

So, at the time that Jeremiah brings them to the Temple in Jerusalem, the Rechabites are well known to the nation of Judah. They are known for their devotion to the laws set down by their ancestors. The  Rechabites do not drink wine as part of their law. This will be a story of contrast. Jeremiah lines the Rechabites up and sets pots of wine for them, and gives them glasses to drink. What would you expect them to do? Have you ever explained away something that appears to be overly religious to those who don’t understand? Does who you are and what you do in Christ show in every aspect of your life, or only when in the company of other Christians?  

But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever: Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers. 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; Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed: But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.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.

So, as the Rechabites stand in front of the temple, in front of the crowd, they must decide. Do they give in because this is indeed a unique situation, or do they confidently stand on what they believe? They are to remain sober-minded, similar to a Nazarite vow.  They are not to build houses but rather live in tents, dedicated to God. Not looking for an inheritance here on earth.  They are not to depend on vineyards or fields or harvesting. They are to move around, go where God directs them, and be where God needs them. Similar to the tribe of Levi.

Generations past called this not setting your stakes too deep. Not marking your claim in this world.  Not being to dependant on the worldly things but rather, being completely dependent upon God.  He provides.  Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27). 

God had led the Rechabites inside Jerusalem because of the approaching Babylonians. The Rechabites were obedient to the teaching and lessons of their father, Jonadab. They did not drink the wine. So what is the lesson here?  What is God showing the nation of Judah?  The lesson leaves out the next few verses, but let's look at what God says about the situation:

Then came the word of the Lord unto Jeremiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words? saith the Lord. The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father's commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me. I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me. Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them; but this people hath not hearkened unto me: Therefore thus saith the Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them: because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered. (Jeremiah 35: 12-17).

The nomadic Rechabites, with no permanent home and no place of their own, learned from and believed their earthly father and have stood obedient to his instruction. By comparison, Judah has not been obedient at all. God, their heavenly father, has called out multiple times, in many ways, by many prophets to tell the nation of Judah to hear and do His words- but they would not listen. The point of contrast is the difference between what we will do for our earthly father and what we will not do for our heavenly father. The greater consequence is not obeying God. 

What is your Heavenly Father requiring of you that you simply refuse to do? The Rechabites stand as a witness against the nation of Judah. God will later say that he will bless the Rechabites for their obedience. They will continue to be a generation that does not pass away. 

We will answer for our own actions, so discerning our life, our decisions, and our obedience to God is totally dependent on what we choose to do and how we use the truth of His word. Thankfully, God is long-suffering and full of loving kindness. Faithfulness and obedience are the most excellent family examples to pass along. That is not to say that it is always easy, but obedience to God is required and is better than sacrifice. It is the bending of our will in submission to our Heavenly Father. Is your relationship with God faithful and obedient? Is God the priority, evident in your day-to-day walk?  Teach your children. 

Thank you for studying with us! God bless!