And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you:

JEREMIAH 35:18KJV
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Jeremiah 35:18 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 35:18 mean?

Jeremiah 35:18 describes how the prophet Jeremiah tells the Rechabite family that the LORD, the God of Israel, commends them for obeying the commands of their ancestor Jonadab and faithfully following all his instructions. Because of their obedience, God recognizes and honors their loyalty to their family’s traditions.

In this verse, Jeremiah is speaking directly to the Rechabites, a group known for their strict lifestyle, as instructed by their forefather Jonadab. The situation is that God, through Jeremiah, is publicly acknowledging their faithfulness in keeping Jonadab’s commands, especially in contrast to the broader disobedience of the people of Judah. This sets up the Rechabites as an example of obedience and loyalty within the larger story.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 35:18

  • "Obeyed" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means more than just hearing; it carries the sense of listening with the intent to act. The Rechabites didn’t just hear Jonadab’s command—they followed it.
  • "Commandment" and "precepts" (מִצְוָה, mitzvah): Both times, this word is used for Jonadab’s instructions, showing that his words were treated with the seriousness usually reserved for divine law.
  • "Kept" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to guard or watch over. The Rechabites carefully protected and maintained their ancestor’s rules, not just following them casually.

Why Jeremiah 35:18 matters

  • Jeremiah 35:18 highlights the contrast between the Rechabites’ obedience and the disobedience of the rest of Judah, making their faithfulness stand out as a lesson for the nation.
  • The verse shows that God notices and values loyalty and faithfulness, even when it is directed toward family traditions, not just direct divine commands.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by setting up the Rechabites as a living example, challenging the people of Judah to consider their own response to God’s instructions.

Where else these words appear

“Rechabites” Hebrew H7397 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 4:12 And Eshton begat Bethrapha, and Paseah, and Tehinnah the father of Irnahash. These are the men of Rechah.
  • Jeremiah 35:2 Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and speak unto them, and bring them into the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink.
  • Jeremiah 35:3 Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habaziniah, and his brethren, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites;

“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.

“Jeremiah” Hebrew H3414 · used in 133 verses

  • 2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
  • Jeremiah 28:15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.
  • Jeremiah 38:9 My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.