King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 35:16 Mean?
“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 35:16 · KJV
Context
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.
15
I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.
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:
17
Therefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them: because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered.
18
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:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBecause 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.
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.
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Historical & Cultural 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.
Reflection Questions
- 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)?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 16 wordsכִּ֣י1 of 16
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הֵקִ֗ימוּ2 of 16
“have performed”
H6965to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
בֶּן3 of 16
“Because the sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶּן5 of 16
“Because the sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶת7 of 16
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲבִיהֶ֖ם9 of 16
“of their father”
H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 16
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וְהָעָ֣ם12 of 16
“them but this people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לֹ֥א14 of 16
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמְע֖וּ15 of 16
“hath not hearkened”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Jeremiah 35:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Jeremiah 35:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge