The Rechabites
“The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying, Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and speak unto them,and bring them into the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink.” Jeremiah 35.1, 2
The Bible is filled with unique, even unusual, passages that tantalize our spiritual taste buds. In the midst of political unrest and spiritual upheaval, we find a command from the Lord for the king to seek out an obscure, nomadic group known as the Rechabites. He is to bring them to the house of the Lord and show them hospitality. When he sets wine before them, they tell Jeremiah that they cannot partake, because they had been forbidden by their founding father, Jonadad (a righteous king who stood vehemently against Ahab and Baal). The representatives go on to detail a few other of their founder’s instructions, all of which they have faithfully kept for generations.
Because of their obedient faithfulness, God promises to be gracious in saving and preserving a remnant from among the Rechabites (Jeremiah 35.18, 19) and, because they have been faithful in obeying the commands of their father. There is no indication in the text that they knew or were concerned with the commands of Moses. There is no indication that they knew anything about the promises of grace in the Old Testament. There is no indication that they intended to unite themselves to the people of Israel as proselytes.
This is a classic example of the“how much more” rhetorical technique. If these desert nomads were willing to be obedient to the commands of their human father – some of which were borderline absurd – how much more should you be willing to submit to the commands of your heavenly Father seeing that all of His commands are wise and life giving? It is also a classic example of how important it is for fathers (and mothers) to teach their children well – to be an example (I Timothy 4.12) so that our children can safely follow in our footsteps. Our children need to see to see us apply God’s Word in every area of our lives.
We know that Jonadab (Jehonadab whose name means “whom Jehovah impels”) was, in fact, driven by God to accomplish great things for His people. Jonadab (not to be confused with Jonadab, son of Shemeah) set a compelling example by living the life he professed and requiring it of his children.
Though tempted with luxurious living (Jeremiah 35.5), these descendants remained true to their founder’s principles.
There is something to be said for gleaning advice and following the example of those who have gone before. Very seldom is wisdom inherited; it normally comes through obediently applying God’s Word into everyday living.
“Now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.” Psalm 71.18
“The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.” Proverbs 16.31
“The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.” Proverbs 20.29
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