Jeremiah Chapter 35 · Verse 12
Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 6
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְּבַר
Then came the word
H1697
דְּבַר
Then came the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 6
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
This prophetic word came during Jehoiakim's reign (609-598 BC), a period of flagrant covenant violation when the king burned Jeremiah's scroll (chapter 36), murdered prophets (26:20-23), and pursued pro-Egyptian policies contrary to God's directive. Against this backdrop of rebellion, the Rechabites' obedience shone brilliantly.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you approach Scripture as mere religious information, or as God's living word that judges your heart and demands response?
- How does your reaction to God's word—whether obedience like the Rechabites or resistance like Jehoiakim—determine whether you receive blessing or curse?
- What makes the difference between hearing the same biblical message and responding with either repentance or rebellion?
Analysis & Commentary
Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah (וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה אֶל־יִרְמְיָהוּ vayehi d'var-Yahweh el-Yirmeyahu)—The formulaic prophetic introduction marks a divine oracle. The דָּבָר (davar, word) of Yahweh isn't mere information but performative speech that creates reality, judges nations, and accomplishes God's purposes (Isaiah 55:11).
This transitional verse pivots from the Rechabites' testimony (vv. 1-11) to God's application (vv. 13-19). The object lesson complete, God now interprets its meaning: the Rechabites' fidelity to Jonadab will magnify Judah's infidelity to Yahweh. The same prophetic word that blessed the obedient Rechabites (vv. 18-19) will curse the disobedient covenant people (v. 17)—one oracle, two opposite outcomes, depending on covenant response.