Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 35

Verses 1-19

Jeremiah’s Nineteenth Prophecy (Reign of Jehoiakim). The Obedience of the Rechabites

This and Jeremiah 36 form a break in the narrative, bringing us back from the tenth year of Zedekiah to the insecurity which followed upon Nebuchadnezzars victory of Carchemish (fourth year of Jehoiakim), when predatory bands of Chaldeans and others had compelled many of the inhabitants of Palestine to take refuge within Jerusalem. Among these were the Rechabites, a nomadic tribe of Kenite descent. The prophet contrasts their obedience to the precepts of their leader Jonadab (who lived about two centuries and a half before this time, 2 Kings 10:15;) with the disobedience of Judah. Each shall receive its meet recompense.

1-11. The Rechabites’rule of life.

2. The Rechabites were descended from Hobab, brother-in-law of Moses, of the Kenite tribe. They migrated with the Israelites from the wilderness to Palestine: cp. Numbers 10:29-32; Judges 1:16.;

5. Pots] RV ’bowls.’

6. Commanded us, etc.] perhaps owing to the excess which he saw to be fostered by city life. For Jonadab see 2 Kings 10:15.

12-17. Application of the lesson to the Jews.

18, 19. The Rechabites’reward.