Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;
JEREMIAH 35:8KJVWhat does Jeremiah 35:8 mean?
Jeremiah 35:8 records the Rechabites explaining that they have faithfully obeyed the command of their ancestor Jonadab, son of Rechab, by never drinking wine—not just the men, but their wives, sons, and daughters as well. The verse highlights their commitment to following the instructions passed down by their forefather.
In this scene, the Rechabites are speaking to Jeremiah, who has brought them into the temple and offered them wine as a test. Their response shows their loyalty to family tradition and the authority of Jonadab, who had commanded them to avoid wine for all generations. This obedience is set in contrast to the broader disobedience of the people of Judah in the surrounding chapters.
The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 35:8
- The word "obeyed" is שָׁמַע (shama‘), which means not just to hear but to listen attentively and respond. The Rechabites are emphasizing their active, willing obedience.
- "Voice" is קוֹל (qol), which often means more than just sound—it refers to the authority or command of someone, in this case, Jonadab.
- "Charged" is צָוָה (tsavah), meaning to command or give a directive. This word underscores that Jonadab’s instruction was not a suggestion but a binding order.
- "Drink" is שָׁתָה (shatah), the common word for drinking, here specifically referring to wine (יַיִן, yayin), which the Rechabites abstained from as a sign of their obedience.
Why Jeremiah 35:8 matters
- Jeremiah 35:8 clarifies that the Rechabites’ obedience was comprehensive, including every family member and lasting through all their days, which highlights the seriousness of their commitment.
- The verse draws a sharp contrast between the faithfulness of the Rechabites to their ancestor and the unfaithfulness of Judah to God, which is a key theme in the surrounding passage.
- Understanding the specific words for "obeyed," "voice," and "charged" helps show that this was not casual compliance but a deep, generational loyalty to a command that shaped their entire way of life.