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:

JEREMIAH 35:16KJV
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Jeremiah 35:16 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 35:16 mean?

Jeremiah 35:16 points out that the sons of Jonadab, descendants of Rechab, faithfully obeyed the command their ancestor gave them, while the people of Israel have not listened to God’s commands. The verse contrasts the consistent obedience of one family with the disobedience of the nation as a whole.

Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to the people of Judah. The context is a lesson using the Rechabites, a group who strictly followed their ancestor’s instructions not to drink wine or settle in houses. God uses their loyalty as an example to highlight how His own people have ignored His repeated instructions, even though He is their God, not just an ancestor.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 35:16

  • בְּנֵי (bənê, "sons"): This word refers to the descendants or children, emphasizing that the obedience spans generations, not just a single act.
  • קוּם (qum, "performed"): This verb often means to "stand up" or "carry out," stressing that the Rechabites actively upheld their father’s command, not just passively agreed.
  • מִצְוָה (mitsvah, "commandment"): This term means a specific instruction or order, showing that Jonadab’s words were treated as binding law by his descendants.
  • שָׁמַע (shama, "hearkened"): This word means to listen with the intent to obey, so when God says the people have not "hearkened," it’s not just about hearing but about refusing to act on what was heard.

Why Jeremiah 35:16 matters

  • This verse clears up that God is not just criticizing general disobedience; He is specifically pointing out that even human traditions can inspire deep loyalty, while His divine commands are being ignored.
  • The contrast between the Rechabites and the rest of Judah highlights how God values faithfulness and consistency in responding to His voice.
  • In the wider passage, Jeremiah 35 uses the Rechabites as a living example to challenge the people’s excuses and call them back to genuine obedience.

Where else these words appear

“Jonadab” Hebrew H3082 · used in 7 verses

  • 2 Samuel 13:5 And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.
  • 2 Kings 10:23 And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only.
  • Jeremiah 35:14 The 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.

“Rechab” Hebrew H7394 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 4:2 And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin:(for Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin:
  • 2 Kings 10:15 And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.
  • Jeremiah 35:6 But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever: