And I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan, the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door:

JEREMIAH 35:4KJV
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Jeremiah 35:4 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 35:4 mean?

Jeremiah 35:4 describes how Jeremiah brought the Rechabites into a specific room within the temple complex, placing them in a chamber associated with respected individuals and temple officials. The verse carefully notes the location and the people connected to these rooms, highlighting the importance and respect given to the Rechabites during this event.

Jeremiah is the speaker, acting on God’s instructions, and he leads the Rechabite family into the temple in Jerusalem. The verse lists several people and rooms: Hanan (son of Igdaliah, called a "man of God"), the princes, and Maaseiah (son of Shallum, the door keeper). This detailed setting shows that Jeremiah is treating the Rechabites with honor by bringing them into a prominent, respected space, setting up the test that follows in the next verses.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 35:4

  • "House" (בַּיִת, bayit, H1004) refers to the temple, emphasizing that this event takes place in the sacred center of Israel’s worship, not just any building.
  • "Chamber" (לִשְׁכָּה, lishkah, H3957) means a special room or side chamber in the temple, often used by priests or officials for important purposes, showing the Rechabites were brought somewhere significant.
  • "Man" (אִישׁ, ish, H376) and "God" (אֱלֹהִים, elohim, H430) together as "man of God" highlight Hanan’s respected spiritual status, suggesting the chamber’s association with someone known for faithfulness.
  • "Keeper" (שָׁמַר, shamar, H8104) and "door" (פֶּתַח, pethach, H5592) describe Maaseiah’s role as a gatekeeper, indicating the chamber’s proximity to an area of responsibility and authority within the temple.

Why Jeremiah 35:4 matters

  • This verse clears up that Jeremiah did not meet the Rechabites in a private home or casual setting, but in a highly respected and public place within the temple, giving weight to the test he is about to present.
  • The detailed description of the chambers and the people involved shows the care taken to honor the Rechabites, which contrasts with the test of obedience that follows and highlights their faithfulness.
  • By naming respected figures and their roles, the verse connects this event to the broader temple community, showing that Jeremiah’s actions were witnessed and carried out in a context of public accountability.

Where else these words appear

“Hanan” Hebrew H2605 · used in 12 verses

“Maaseiah” Hebrew H4641 · used in 23 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.
  • Ezra 10:21 And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.
  • Nehemiah 11:5 And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.

“Shallum” Hebrew H7967 · used in 26 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:10 And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:25 Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:22 And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe;(now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect.

“door” Hebrew H5592 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 12:22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
  • 2 Kings 25:18 And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:
  • Jeremiah 52:19 And the basons, and the firepans, and the bowls, and the caldrons, and the candlesticks, and the spoons, and the cups; that which was of gold in gold, and that which was of silver in silver, took the captain of the guard away.