Topical Encyclopedia The Rechabites were a nomadic clan in ancient Israel, descended from Rechab, the father of Jehonadab (also known as Jonadab). Jehonadab is noted for his association with Jehu, the king of Israel, during the eradication of Baal worship (2 Kings 10:15-23). The Rechabites are particularly remembered for their strict adherence to the commands of their ancestor Jehonadab, who instructed them to live as nomads, abstain from wine, and avoid building permanent houses or sowing seed.The most significant biblical account of the Rechabites is found in Jeremiah 35. In this chapter, the prophet Jeremiah is commanded by God to bring the Rechabites into the temple and offer them wine. Despite the setting and the offer, the Rechabites refuse to drink, citing the command of their forefather Jehonadab: "We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jehonadab son of Rechab commanded us, ‘Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine. You must not build a house or sow seed or plant a vineyard. Those things are not for you. Instead, you must live in tents all your days, so that you may live a long time in the land where you sojourn’" (Jeremiah 35:6-7, BSB). Their obedience to Jehonadab's command is used by God as a powerful object lesson for the people of Judah. God contrasts the faithfulness of the Rechabites to the unfaithfulness of the people of Judah, who have not obeyed His commands despite repeated warnings through the prophets. The Rechabites' steadfastness serves as a rebuke to Judah's disobedience. In recognition of their faithfulness, God makes a remarkable promise to the Rechabites through Jeremiah: "Therefore, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jehonadab son of Rechab will never fail to have a man to stand before Me always’" (Jeremiah 35:19, BSB). This promise of perpetuity indicates that the descendants of Jehonadab would continue to have a presence and a role in serving God, a testament to their unwavering commitment to the commands of their forefather. The Rechabites' account is a testament to the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. Their example is often cited in discussions of covenant faithfulness and the blessings that come from adhering to divine instructions. The promise of perpetuity given to the Rechabites underscores the value God places on loyalty and the enduring legacy of those who remain true to His word. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 35:18,19And Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, Thus said 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 has commanded you: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library General Index. Resources Who were the Rechabites in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgOld Testament Groups ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Miscellaneous Bible Questions (All) | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rechabites: A Family of Kenites Descended from Rechab, Through Jonadab Rechabites: Adhere to the Injunction of Abstinence; Perpetuation of the Family Promised As a Reward Rechabites: Descended from Hemath Rechabites: Enjoined by Jonadab to Drink No Wine Rechabites: Obedience of, a Sign to Israel Rechabites: Perpetuity To, Promised Rechabites: Prohibited by Jonadab from Forming Settlements or Drinking Rechabites: The Head of, Assisted Jehu in his Conspiracy Against The Related Terms |