Jeremiah 35:16
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:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הֵקִ֗ימוּ
have performed
H6965
הֵקִ֗ימוּ
have performed
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
2 of 16
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
בֶּן
Because the sons
H1121
בֶּן
Because the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְהוֹנָדָ֣ב
of Jonadab
H3082
יְהוֹנָדָ֣ב
of Jonadab
Strong's:
H3082
Word #:
4 of 16
jehonadab, the name of an israelite and of an arab
בֶּן
Because the sons
H1121
בֶּן
Because the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִצְוַ֥ת
the commandment
H4687
מִצְוַ֥ת
the commandment
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
8 of 16
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
אֲבִיהֶ֖ם
of their father
H1
אֲבִיהֶ֖ם
of their father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
9 of 16
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וְהָעָ֣ם
them but this people
H5971
וְהָעָ֣ם
them but this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
12 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Malachi 1:6A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?Jeremiah 35:14The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father's commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me.
Historical Context
This argument-from-lesser-to-greater appears throughout prophetic literature: Isaiah contrasts Judah unfavorably with pagan nations (1:3), Ezekiel with Sodom (16:48), Jesus with Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba (Matthew 12:41-42). The Rechabites join this prophetic 'hall of shame'—non-Israelites whose obedience condemns Israel's disobedience.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Rechabites' multi-generational obedience to a fallible ancestor expose the shallowness of your sporadic obedience to an infallible God?
- In what areas of life are unbelievers more faithful to their convictions than you are to biblical truth—and what does that reveal?
- Why does God use the obedience of outsiders (Rechabites, Ninevites, Roman centurions) to shame His own people, and what does that teach about judgment beginning 'at the house of God' (1 Peter 4:17)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father (הֵקִימוּ בְנֵי־יוֹנָדָב בֶּן־רֵכָב אֶת־מִצְוַת אֲבִיהֶם heqimu b'nei-Yonadav ben-Rekhav et-mitzvat avihem)—The verb הֵקִים (heqim, 'performed/established') means to stand up, fulfill, accomplish completely. The Rechabites didn't merely acknowledge Jonadab's command but enacted it across centuries.
But this people hath not hearkened unto me (וְהָעָם הַזֶּה לֹא שָׁמְעוּ אֵלָי v'ha'am hazeh lo sham'u elai)—The devastating contrast: pagan descendants obeyed a dead man; covenant children disobeyed the living God. The disproportion magnifies Judah's guilt—if human fatherly authority commands such loyalty, how much more divine Fatherly authority? The logic mirrors Jesus's 'how much more' arguments (Matthew 7:11). God uses shame as evangelistic strategy: let Gentile faithfulness rebuke Jewish unfaithfulness.