Jeremiah 35:16 kjv
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:
Jeremiah 35:16 nkjv
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." '
Jeremiah 35:16 niv
The descendants of Jehonadab son of Rekab have carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not obeyed me.'
Jeremiah 35:16 esv
The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command that their father gave them, but this people has not obeyed me.
Jeremiah 35:16 nlt
The descendants of Jehonadab son of Recab have obeyed their ancestor completely, but you have refused to listen to me.'
Jeremiah 35 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah 35:18-19 | 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 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.’” | Abraham's blessing, Seed |
| Exodus 20:12 | “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” | Obedience to parents |
| Deuteronomy 28:1-14 | "And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth." | Blessings for obedience |
| Proverbs 3:1-2 | "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you." | Wisdom, longevity |
| Psalm 37:4 | "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." | God's favor |
| Matthew 19:19 | “Honor your father and mother, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” | Jesus quotes the commandment |
| Luke 6:38 | “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” | Principle of sowing/reaping |
| John 15:7 | “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” | Abiding in Christ |
| Philippians 4:18 | "I have received full provision, since you sent a message by Epaphroditus to me. It is a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God." | Acceptable sacrifices |
| 1 Samuel 2:30 | "I will honor those who honor me, but those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed." | Honoring God |
| Isaiah 40:31 | "but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." | Strength in waiting on God |
| Jeremiah 1:12 | Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching to see that my word is performed.” | God watches His word |
| Leviticus 26:3,13 | "If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, 13 and I will make you dwell in security." | Blessings in the land |
| Malachi 1:11 | For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name is great among the nations, and in every place incense is offered and a pure oblation is made to my name, for great is my name among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. | Worship among nations |
| Hebrews 11:5 | By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He was not found, because God took him up.” Now before he was taken up he was commended for having taken pleasure in God. | Faith and pleasing God |
| Romans 10:12 | For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. | Lord of all |
| 1 Corinthians 10:31 | So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. | Doing all for God's glory |
| Jeremiah 7:23 | But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may go well with you.’ | Covenant promise |
| Deuteronomy 11:26-28 | "Behold, I am setting before you today a blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, 27 and a curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn from the way that I command you today..." | Blessing and curse |
| Jeremiah 17:24-25 | "And should they hear my words to stop their evil deeds, then I will cause them to remain in their land. 25 But if they do not listen, and I have not warned them, then they will not remain in their land." | Consequence of obedience |
Jeremiah 35 verses
Jeremiah 35 16 Meaning
This verse confirms that because the Rechabites obeyed their father Jonadab’s commands and abstained from wine, they would never lack a man to stand before the Lord. This blessing is tied to their faithfulness and obedience, a testament to God’s reward for honoring parental instruction and His own commands.
Jeremiah 35 16 Context
This verse appears at the conclusion of a narrative in Jeremiah chapter 35, where the prophet, at God's command, presents wine to the Rechabites. The Rechabites, descendants of Jonadab, a Kenite, had previously sworn a vow of abstinence from wine, not dwelling in houses, and not planting vineyards, as a testimony against the idolatry and apostasy of Judah. They strictly adhered to these commands of their ancestor, even when tempted by Jeremiah. In contrast, the people of Judah had consistently ignored God's commands, leading to their impending judgment. This chapter highlights the stark difference between the obedience of a heathen tribe to their ancestor's command and the disobedience of God's own people to God. Jeremiah 35:16 is God's declaration of His favorable judgment upon the Rechabites for their faithfulness.
Jeremiah 35 16 Word Analysis
- and: Conjunction indicating connection and consequence.
- for: Conjunction indicating reason or cause.
- Jonadab: (Yôwnāḏāḇ) Meaning "Yahweh is generous" or "Yahweh has given." This is the name of the Rechabite ancestor.
- the son: Indicates lineage and inheritance of commands.
- of Rechab: (Rēḵāḇ) Meaning "horseman" or "rider." Refers to Rechab, the father or an earlier ancestor of Jonadab, highlighting their tribal identity and customs.
- shall: Expresses future certainty, a divine promise.
- never: Emphasizes the perpetual nature of the blessing.
- lack: To be without, to be wanting. The absence of something needed or desired.
- a man: Refers to an individual representative, signifying continued existence and presence.
- to stand: (`āmāḏ) In the Hebrew, this implies to stand before, to serve, to minister.
- before me: (lĕp̱ānāy) In God's presence, a place of service and relationship. It signifies continuation of their lineage and its dedicated service or presence before God.
Words Group Analysis:
- "for Jonadab the son of Rechab": This phrase emphasizes the ancestral connection and the authority of Jonadab's command over his descendants. It grounds the blessing in the lineage and their historical obedience.
- "shall never lack a man": This powerful statement assures the continuity of the Rechabite line. It is a promise of posterity and sustained existence, specifically for a people who were following a unique lifestyle for religious reasons.
- "to stand before me": This phrase is crucial, signifying more than just biological continuation. It denotes a status of divine favor, of being in God's presence, potentially referring to a role in worship, service, or simply continued recognition and inclusion in God’s covenant people. It’s a profound affirmation of God’s acceptance.
Jeremiah 35 16 Bonus Section
The Rechabites’ lifestyle was a living parable. Their strict obedience to Jonadab's negative commandments (abstain from wine, do not build houses, sow fields, or plant vineyards) served as a stark contrast to Israel’s failure to keep God’s positive and negative commandments. Their vow, passed down for generations, showcased a deliberate commitment to a life distinct from the cultural norms that had led Israel into idolatry and judgment. God’s promise to Jonadab assures that even those outside the direct covenant line, if they exhibit faithfulness, can receive His favor. This highlights God's universal concern for obedience and His capacity to bless any nation or individual who honors Him. Their faithfulness meant God saw them and would not forget them, contrasting with the impending judgment on Judah that saw them exiled and scattered. The "standing before me" can be understood as an unbroken spiritual presence, an affirmation of their continuity as a people recognized by God, even in their unique status.
Jeremiah 35 16 Commentary
The verse pronounces a perpetual blessing upon the Rechabites due to their strict adherence to their ancestor Jonadab's commandments regarding abstinence from wine and settled living. This obedience, contrasting sharply with Judah’s disobedience to God, ensured that their lineage would always have a representative present before the Lord. This signifies divine favor and recognition for their faithful lifestyle. It illustrates a fundamental biblical principle: obedience, even to human authority that aligns with divine will, is pleasing to God and yields lasting blessings. Their commitment was a radical statement of separation from the prevailing sin of apostasy in Judah, a separation God honored.