Jeremiah 35 17

Jeremiah 35:17 kjv

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 35:17 nkjv

"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.' "

Jeremiah 35:17 niv

"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.'?"

Jeremiah 35:17 esv

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."

Jeremiah 35:17 nlt

"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.'"

Jeremiah 35 verses

Jeremiah 35 17 Meaning

This verse declares that because the descendants of Jonadab son of Rechab obeyed their father's command to abstain from wine, they would never lack a man to stand before the Lord. It signifies a divine blessing upon faithfulness to parental instruction and commitment to a set apart lifestyle, demonstrating that obedience is acknowledged and rewarded by God.

Jeremiah 35 17 Context

Jeremiah 35 is a powerful narrative illustrating a stark contrast. God commands Jeremiah to take the Rechabites to a temple chamber and offer them wine. They refuse, citing the instruction of their ancestor Jonadab, who forbade them and their descendants from drinking wine, building houses, sowing seed, or planting vineyards, to live as nomads in tents. This was to set themselves apart and live faithfully in exile. In contrast to Judah, who had persistently disobeyed God, the Rechabites’ unwavering obedience to their human ancestor, even in seemingly minor matters, becomes a potent symbol of faithfulness. The verse serves as a testament that God acknowledges and blesses genuine obedience and a commitment to a distinct, set-apart life, in contrast to the apostasy of Judah at that time.

Jeremiah 35 17 Word Analysis

• Thus (כֹּה - koh): So, thus, in this manner. Emphasizes the direct consequence of their obedience.

• saith (אָמַר - amar): Says, speaks. The direct word from the Lord.

• the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): The personal covenant name of God. Highlights divine authority and commitment.

• There shall not (לֹא־יִמָּנֶה - lo' yimmaneh): There shall not be cut off, there shall not fail. Indicates a continuous presence and lineage.

• want (מִמֶּנִּי - mimmeni): From me, from my presence. Specifically "from me," implying a constant access or standing before God.

• a man (אִישׁ - ish): Man, a person. A representative from their lineage.

• to stand (עֹמֵד - omed): To stand, to minister, to serve. Implies a role of service or representation before God, possibly priestly in function or as a witness.

• before (לִפְנֵי - lifney): Before, in the presence of. Signifies direct access and recognition.

• me (לִפְנַי - lifnai): Before me. Reinforces the proximity and acknowledgment by God.

• The entire phrase "There shall not want a man to stand before me": This signifies a perpetual succession, ensuring that a representative of the Rechabite line would continually have access and be acknowledged in the divine presence. It's a promise of enduring testimony and spiritual continuity. The act of "standing before the Lord" could refer to a functional role, or more broadly, a continuous existence under God's favor and awareness. The strict adherence of the Rechabites to their ancestral vow, abstaining even from things permissible, showed a depth of dedication that God noted, promising an unbroken lineage in His service or presence.

Jeremiah 35 17 Bonus Section

The Rechabite vow reflects principles of Nazirite separation, though distinct in its origins and scope (Numbers 6). Their lifestyle in tents mirrored the wilderness wanderings of Israel, emphasizing a continuous dependence on God and a rejection of settled, Canaanite influences, which often carried religious syncretism. This unswerving obedience to a human patriarch's directive becomes a lesson for Judah: if they obeyed their fathers to this extent, how much more should they have obeyed God’s explicit commands. The "standing before me" is understood by many commentators as representing their continuing lineage or their perpetual witness in the eyes of God, assured by their obedience.

Jeremiah 35 17 Commentary

The Rechabites’ absolute refusal of wine, a symbol of worldly pleasure and perhaps even idolatry prevalent in surrounding cultures, positioned them as a faithful remnant. Their adherence to Jonadab's restrictive command demonstrated a profound dedication to their heritage and, by extension, to the principles of separation and faithfulness God required. This obedience, even in its stringency, earned them a divine guarantee of perpetual existence in God's sight. Their example stands as a counterpoint to Judah's disobedience, highlighting that true worship and commitment are often marked by obedience to God’s commands and a distinct lifestyle, resulting in enduring favor. The promise underscores the principle that faithfulness, even in small things, is noticed by God and can result in a lasting legacy.