Jeremiah 35 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Jeremiah 35 meaning explained in AI Summary

Chapter 35 of the Book of Jeremiah offers a stark contrast between the obedience of the Rechabites and the disobedience of the Israelites, highlighting God's favor towards those who follow his commands.

The Test:

God instructs Jeremiah to bring the Rechabites, a nomadic clan known for their strict adherence to their ancestor's commands, into the Temple.
He then offers them wine, a direct violation of their ancestral law which forbids them from drinking wine, owning vineyards, or building houses.

The Response:

The Rechabites refuse the wine, stating their unwavering commitment to the ancient decree of their forefather, Jonadab son of Rechab.
They explain that they live in tents and abstain from wine as a sign of their obedience and separation from the surrounding culture.

God's Judgment:

God commends the Rechabites for their steadfast obedience to their ancestor, even though Jonadab was not a prophet of God.
He then contrasts their faithfulness with the Israelites' constant disobedience to His direct commands, despite His repeated warnings and pleas through the prophets.
God pronounces judgment on Judah for their unfaithfulness, declaring that the Rechabites will be blessed for their obedience while Judah will face the consequences of their rebellion.

Key Themes:

Obedience vs. Disobedience: The chapter highlights the stark difference between those who obey God and those who choose to disobey, emphasizing the blessings associated with obedience and the consequences of rebellion.
God's Faithfulness: Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His promises, even blessing a group outside the covenant community for their unwavering commitment to their ancestor's commands.
Judgment and Hope: While the chapter pronounces judgment on Judah, it also offers a glimmer of hope. The Rechabites' example demonstrates that God honors obedience, suggesting that if the Israelites were to repent and return to Him, they too could find favor and blessing.

In essence, Jeremiah 35 serves as a powerful reminder that God desires obedience from His people and that He blesses those who remain faithful to Him, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Jeremiah 35 bible study ai commentary

The overarching theme of Jeremiah 35 is the powerful contrast between faithfulness and unfaithfulness. Through a symbolic act, God highlights the steadfast obedience of the Rechabites to their human ancestor's commands, thereby shaming the people of Judah for their persistent disobedience to their divine Father. The chapter serves as a living parable, demonstrating that obedience is possible and that faithfulness will be rewarded, while rebellion against God's covenant will lead to judgment.

Jeremiah 35 Context

This chapter is set during the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah (609-598 B.C.), a turbulent period marked by the rising power of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar. The Rechabites, a nomadic clan, had been forced to seek refuge inside the walled city of Jerusalem due to the marauding Babylonian and Aramean armies. They were not Israelites but were descendants of the Kenites, associated with Jethro, Moses' father-in-law. Their forefather, Jonadab son of Rechab, was a zealous follower of Yahweh who allied with King Jehu to eradicate Baal worship from Israel centuries earlier (2 Kings 10:15–23). Their strict, ascetic lifestyle was a long-standing tradition meant to keep them separate from the perceived corruptions of settled, agricultural societies.

Jeremiah 35:1-5

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: “Go to the house of the Rechabites and speak with them and bring them to the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers; then offer them wine to drink.” So I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, son of Habazziniah, and his brothers and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites. I brought them to the house of the LORD into the chamber of the sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, the man of God, which was near the chamber of the princes, above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, keeper of the threshold. Then I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pitchers full of wine, and cups, and I said to them, “Drink wine.”

In-depth-analysis

This is an "acted parable" or "symbolic act" commanded by God, a common prophetic teaching method.
The Setting: The command is to bring the Rechabites into the "house of the LORD," the Temple. Testing their faithfulness in God's own house makes the subsequent indictment against Judah even more potent.
The Test: Offering wine is a direct challenge to their ancestral identity. Wine was a staple of settled life and festivity, things they were forbidden.
The Participants: Naming "Jaazaniah" and identifying the specific chamber ("of the sons of Hanan... man of God") lends historical authenticity to the account. This wasn't a private affair; it was a visible event near the chambers of princes and officials.

Bible references

2 Kings 10:15: 'he gave him his hand. And he took him up with him into the chariot. And he said, "Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD."' (Jonadab's historical zeal).
Numbers 6:3: 'he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink.' (The Nazarite vow provides a biblical parallel for abstinence).
Ezekiel 44:21: 'No priest shall drink wine when he enters the inner court.' (Shows wine was sometimes restricted for service in the Temple).

Cross references

Jer 7:2 (stand in the gate); Jer 36:10 (event in a chamber); Eze 8:1 (prophet's vision in his house); Neh 13:5, 9 (chambers used for storage and residence).

Jeremiah 35:6-11

But they said, “We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, ‘You shall not drink wine, you or your sons, forever. You shall not build a house; you shall not sow seed; you shall not plant a vineyard or have one; but you shall live in tents all your days, that you may live many days in the land where you sojourn.’ We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab... in all that he commanded us. But when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against the land, we said, ‘Come, 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.”

In-depth-analysis

Their refusal is absolute and united. Their identity is defined by obedience to their "father," Jonadab.
The four prohibitions (wine, houses, sowing, vineyards) represent a total rejection of the settled agricultural lifestyle of Canaan, which was often associated with idolatry (e.g., Baal worship).
Live in tents: This preserved their identity as sojourners and pilgrims, separate from the corrupting influence of the surrounding culture.
The Reason: Their obedience is tied to a promise of longevity ("that you may live many days").
Temporary Compromise: Their presence in Jerusalem is a pragmatic necessity for survival, not an abandonment of principle. They explicitly state it's "for fear of the army," clarifying they haven't settled there by choice.

Bible references

Exodus 20:12: 'Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long...' (The ultimate fulfillment of the Fifth Commandment).
Hebrews 11:9: 'By faith he went to live in the land of promise... living in tents with Isaac and Jacob...' (Connects their nomadic faithfulness to the Patriarchs).
2 Corinthians 6:17: 'Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord...' (The principle of holy separation).

Cross references

1 Chr 2:55 (Rechabite lineage); Pro 1:8 (listen to father's instruction); Gen 9:20-21 (dangers of wine); Judg 1:16 (Kenite connection to Judah).

Jeremiah 35:12-17

Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: “...‘Do you not receive instruction and listen to my words? declares the LORD. The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab... have been performed... But I have spoken to you again and again, yet you have not listened to me. I have sent to you all my servants the prophets, sending them again and again, saying, ‘Turn now every one of you from his evil way... do not go after other gods...’ But you have not inclined your ear or listened to me. ...Behold, I am bringing upon Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the disaster that I have pronounced against them, because I have spoken to them and they have not listened...’”

In-depth-analysis

This is the divine application of the parable. God uses their example to indict His people.
The Argument: It is an a fortiori (from lesser to greater) argument. If they show such profound obedience to a mere man, how much more should Judah obey the living God?
shakham (שָׁכַם): The Hebrew for "again and again" literally means "rising early." It conveys God's diligence, eagerness, and persistent effort in calling His people back.
The Indictment: Judah has failed on every level—ignoring God's direct word, rejecting His prophets, and committing idolatry.
The Verdict: Because they refused to listen, the pronounced disaster is now inevitable and justified.

Bible references

Jeremiah 7:13: 'I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened...' (A central, repeated theme in Jeremiah).
Matthew 12:41: 'The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it...' (Gentile repentance shaming Israel's unbelief).
Malachi 1:6: ‘A son honors his father... If then I am a father, where is my honor?' (Directly poses the question Judah fails to answer).

Cross references

2 Chr 36:15-16 (Summary of Israel's rejection of prophets); Jer 11:7-8 (Persistent warning, persistent disobedience); Pro 1:24-28 (Wisdom's call rejected brings calamity); Isa 65:12 (Because I called, you did not answer).

Jeremiah 35:18-19

But to the house of the Rechabites Jeremiah said, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Because you have obeyed the command of Jonadab your father and kept all his precepts and done all that he commanded you, therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Jonadab the son of Rechab shall never lack a man to stand before me forever.”

In-depth-analysis

A Promise of Perpetuity: This is the blessing that contrasts with Judah's curse. Faithfulness is eternally rewarded.
'omed lephanay (עֹמֵד לְפָנָי): The phrase "to stand before me" is a technical term often denoting priestly or ministerial service in God's presence. It suggests an honored position and perpetual access to God.
This promise stands in sharp contrast to the judgment on the royal lines, such as the curse on Jehoiachin (Coniah) that he would have no descendant ruling from David's throne (Jer 22:30).

Bible references

Deuteronomy 10:8: 'the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi... to stand before the LORD to minister to him...' (Example of "stand before me" as priestly service).
1 Kings 17:1: 'As the LORD the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand...' (Elijah's formula, connecting the phrase to prophetic authority).
Revelation 7:9, 15: 'a great multitude... standing before the throne and before the Lamb... therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night...' (The ultimate fulfillment for all the faithful).

Cross references

Psa 102:28 (the children of your servants shall continue); Isa 56:3-7 (blessings for foreigners who join the LORD); Psa 112:1-2 (blessing on the man who fears the Lord).

Polemics

The polemic is twofold. First, it directly confronts Judah's claim to be God's chosen people while living in disobedience. The loyalty of these non-Israelite "outsiders" exposes the hypocrisy of the covenant "insiders." Second, the Rechabite lifestyle itself served as a polemic against the Canaanite Baal-centric religion, which was tied to agriculture, vineyards, and settled life. Their existence was a living protest against the very assimilation that had corrupted Israel and Judah.

Jeremiah Chapter 35 analysis

Chiastic Structure: The chapter can be seen as having a chiastic (inverted parallel) structure, emphasizing the central contrast:
- A. God's Command to Test (v. 1-2)
  - B. Jeremiah Sets the Test for the Rechabites (v. 3-5)
    - C. The Rechabites' Obedience to Their Father (v. 6-11)
    - C'. Judah's Disobedience to Their Father (v. 12-16)
  - B'. God Delivers the Verdict Against Judah (v. 17)
- A'. God's Promise for the Obedient Rechabites (v. 18-19)
Remnant Theology: The Rechabites function as a model of the faithful remnant. While the majority of the covenant nation faces judgment for apostasy, this small, faithful group is preserved and promised a future. They embody the principle that true identity is found in obedience, not mere lineage.
Fathers and Sons: The chapter masterfully uses the father-son motif. The Rechabites' honor for their human father is a powerful rebuke to Israel for failing to honor their divine Father. It is a real-life commentary on the fifth commandment and Malachi 1:6.
Fulfillment of the Promise: While historical records are sparse, Jewish tradition (the Mishnah, Ta'anit 4:5) identifies descendants of the Rechabites serving roles in the Second Temple. Spiritually, the promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in all, Jew or Gentile, who live by faithful obedience and thus "stand before" God as part of the new covenant priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9).

Jeremiah 35 summary

God instructs Jeremiah to perform a test: offer wine to the Rechabites in the Temple. They refuse, citing unwavering obedience to their ancestor Jonadab's centuries-old commands to live a separate, nomadic life. God then uses their steadfast loyalty to a human father to condemn Judah's blatant and persistent disobedience to their heavenly Father. The chapter concludes with a curse of destruction for Judah and a blessing of perpetual service and existence for the faithful Rechabites.

Jeremiah 34 AI Jeremiah 36 AI

Jeremiah 35 AI Image Audio and Video

Jeremiah chapter 35 kjv

¹ The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying,
² 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.
³ Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habaziniah, and his brethren, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites;
⁴ And I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan, the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door:
⁵ 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.
⁶ 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:
⁷ 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.
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;
⁹ Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed:
¹⁰ But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.
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.
¹² Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,
¹³ 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.
¹⁴ 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.
¹⁵ 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.
¹⁶ 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:
¹⁷ 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.
¹⁸ And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you:
¹⁹ Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever.

Jeremiah chapter 35 nkjv

¹ The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying,
² "Go to the house of the Rechabites, speak to them, and bring them into the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink."
³ Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah, his brothers and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites,
⁴ and I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door.
⁵ Then I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites bowls full of wine, and cups; and I said to them, "Drink wine."
⁶ But they said, "We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, 'You shall drink no wine, you nor your sons, forever.
⁷ You shall not build a house, sow seed, plant a vineyard, nor have any of these; but all your days you shall dwell in tents, that you may live many days in the land where you are sojourners.'
⁸ Thus we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters,
⁹ nor to build ourselves houses to dwell in; nor do we have vineyard, field, or seed.
¹⁰ But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.
¹¹ But it came to pass, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, 'Come, 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."
¹² Then came the word of the LORD to Jeremiah, saying,
¹³ "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, "Will you not receive instruction to obey My words?" says the LORD.
¹⁴ "The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, which he commanded his sons, not to drink wine, are performed; for to this day they drink none, and obey their father's commandment. But although I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, you did not obey Me.
¹⁵ I have also sent to you all My servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, 'Turn now everyone from his evil way, amend your doings, and do not go after other gods to serve them; then you will dwell in the land which I have given you and your fathers.' But you have not inclined your ear, nor obeyed Me.
¹⁶ Surely the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them, but this people has not obeyed Me." '
¹⁷ "Therefore thus says the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Behold, I will bring on Judah and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the doom that I have pronounced against them; because I have spoken to them but they have not heard, and I have called to them but they have not answered.' "
¹⁸ And Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Because you have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts and done according to all that he commanded you,
¹⁹ therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: "Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me forever." ' "

Jeremiah chapter 35 niv

¹ This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD during the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah:
² "Go to the Rekabite family and invite them to come to one of the side rooms of the house of the LORD and give them wine to drink."
³ So I went to get Jaazaniah son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah, and his brothers and all his sons?the whole family of the Rekabites.
⁴ I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the room of the sons of Hanan son of Igdaliah the man of God. It was next to the room of the officials, which was over that of Maaseiah son of Shallum the doorkeeper.
⁵ Then I set bowls full of wine and some cups before the Rekabites and said to them, "Drink some wine."
⁶ But they replied, "We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jehonadab son of Rekab gave us this command: 'Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine.
⁷ Also you must never build houses, sow seed or plant vineyards; you must never have any of these things, but must always live in tents. Then you will live a long time in the land where you are nomads.'
⁸ We have obeyed everything our forefather Jehonadab son of Rekab commanded us. Neither we nor our wives nor our sons and daughters have ever drunk wine
⁹ or built houses to live in or had vineyards, fields or crops.
¹⁰ We have lived in tents and have fully obeyed everything our forefather Jehonadab commanded us.
¹¹ But when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded this land, we said, 'Come, we must go to Jerusalem to escape the Babylonian and Aramean armies.' So we have remained in Jerusalem."
¹² Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying:
¹³ "This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Go and tell the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, 'Will you not learn a lesson and obey my words?' declares the LORD.
¹⁴ 'Jehonadab son of Rekab ordered his descendants not to drink wine and this command has been kept. To this day they do not drink wine, because they obey their forefather's command. But I have spoken to you again and again, yet you have not obeyed me.
¹⁵ Again and again I sent all my servants the prophets to you. They said, "Each of you must turn from your wicked ways and reform your actions; do not follow other gods to serve them. Then you will live in the land I have given to you and your ancestors." But you have not paid attention or listened to me.
¹⁶ The descendants of Jehonadab son of Rekab have carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not obeyed me.'
¹⁷ "Therefore this is what the LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Listen! I am going to bring on Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem every disaster I pronounced against them. I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them, but they did not answer.'?"
¹⁸ Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Rekabites, "This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jehonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.'
¹⁹ Therefore this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Jehonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.'?"

Jeremiah chapter 35 esv

¹ The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah:
² "Go to the house of the Rechabites and speak with them and bring them to the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers; then offer them wine to drink."
³ So I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, son of Habazziniah and his brothers and all his sons and the whole house of the Rechabites.
⁴ I brought them to the house of the LORD into the chamber of the sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, the man of God, which was near the chamber of the officials, above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, keeper of the threshold.
⁵ Then I set before the Rechabites pitchers full of wine, and cups, and I said to them, "Drink wine."
⁶ But they answered, "We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, 'You shall not drink wine, neither you nor your sons forever.
⁷ You shall not build a house; you shall not sow seed; you shall not plant or have a vineyard; but you shall live in tents all your days, that you may live many days in the land where you sojourn.'
⁸ 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,
⁹ and not to build houses to dwell in. We have no vineyard or field or seed,
¹⁰ but we have lived in tents and have obeyed and done all that Jonadab our father commanded us.
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."
¹² Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:
¹³ "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Go and say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will you not receive instruction and listen to my words? declares the LORD.
¹⁴ The command that Jonadab the son of Rechab gave to his sons, to drink no wine, has been kept, and they drink none to this day, for they have obeyed their father's command. I have spoken to you persistently, but you have not listened to me.
¹⁵ I have sent to you all my servants the prophets, sending them persistently, saying, 'Turn now every one of you from his evil way, and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to serve them, and then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to you and your fathers.' But you did not incline your ear or listen to me.
¹⁶ The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command that their father gave them, but this people has not obeyed me.
¹⁷ Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing upon Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the disaster that I have pronounced against them, because I have spoken to them and they have not listened, I have called to them and they have not answered."
¹⁸ But to the house of the Rechabites Jeremiah said, "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Because you have obeyed the command of Jonadab your father and kept all his precepts and done all that he commanded you,
¹⁹ therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Jonadab the son of Rechab shall never lack a man to stand before me."

Jeremiah chapter 35 nlt

¹ This is the message the LORD gave Jeremiah when Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king of Judah:
² "Go to the settlement where the families of the Recabites live, and invite them to the LORD's Temple. Take them into one of the inner rooms, and offer them some wine."
³ So I went to see Jaazaniah son of Jeremiah and grandson of Habazziniah and all his brothers and sons ? representing all the Recabite families.
⁴ I took them to the Temple, and we went into the room assigned to the sons of Hanan son of Igdaliah, a man of God. This room was located next to the one used by the Temple officials, directly above the room of Maaseiah son of Shallum, the Temple gatekeeper.
⁵ I set cups and jugs of wine before them and invited them to have a drink,
⁶ but they refused. "No," they said, "we don't drink wine, because our ancestor Jehonadab son of Recab gave us this command: 'You and your descendants must never drink wine.
⁷ And do not build houses or plant crops or vineyards, but always live in tents. If you follow these commands, you will live long, good lives in the land.'
⁸ So we have obeyed him in all these things. We have never had a drink of wine to this day, nor have our wives, our sons, or our daughters.
⁹ We haven't built houses or owned vineyards or farms or planted crops.
¹⁰ We have lived in tents and have fully obeyed all the commands of Jehonadab, our ancestor.
¹¹ But when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon attacked this country, we were afraid of the Babylonian and Syrian armies. So we decided to move to Jerusalem. That is why we are here."
¹² Then the LORD gave this message to Jeremiah:
¹³ "This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel, says: Go and say to the people in Judah and Jerusalem, 'Come and learn a lesson about how to obey me.
¹⁴ The Recabites do not drink wine to this day because their ancestor Jehonadab told them not to. But I have spoken to you again and again, and you refuse to obey me.
¹⁵ Time after time I sent you prophets, who told you, "Turn from your wicked ways, and start doing things right. Stop worshiping other gods so that you might live in peace here in the land I have given to you and your ancestors." But you would not listen to me or obey me.
¹⁶ The descendants of Jehonadab son of Recab have obeyed their ancestor completely, but you have refused to listen to me.'
¹⁷ "Therefore, this is what the LORD God of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel, says: 'Because you refuse to listen or answer when I call, I will send upon Judah and Jerusalem all the disasters I have threatened.'"
¹⁸ Then Jeremiah turned to the Recabites and said, "This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel, says: 'You have obeyed your ancestor Jehonadab in every respect, following all his instructions.'
¹⁹ Therefore, this is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel, says: 'Jehonadab son of Recab will always have descendants who serve me.'"