The words of jonadab
Jonadab Part II
When God uses words… they are important. I believe that when we examine the Scriptures we need to pay a good deal of attention to the words that God, Himself, uses. We need to avoid putting words in His mouth, and taking words out of it.
The Words of Jonadab
By which I mean not the words that Jonadab used, but the words that God used when talking about Jonadab. Specifically the words used in Jeremiah 35 when God compared the obedience of the sons of Jonadab with the disobedience of the sons of Israel.
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
I Samuel 15:22-23
Obey (Obeyed, Hearken, Heard)
H8085 (Strong)
שָׁמַע
shâma‛
shaw-mah'
A primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively to tell, etc.): - X attentively, call (gather) together, X carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear (-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim (-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell, understand, whosoever [heareth], witness.
Jer 35:8 Thus have we obeyed H8085 the voice H6963 of Jonadab H3082 the son H1121 of Rechab H7394 our father H1 in all H3605 that H834 he hath charged H6680 us, to drink H8354 no H1115 wine H3196 all H3605 our days, H3117 we, H587 our wives, H802 our sons, H1121 nor our daughters; H1323
Jer 35:10 But we have dwelt H3427 in tents, H168 and have obeyed, H8085 and done H6213 according to all H3605 that H834 Jonadab H3122 our father H1 commanded H6680 us
Jer 35:13 Thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Go H1980 and tell H559 the men H376 of Judah H3063 and the inhabitants H3427 of Jerusalem, H3389 Will ye not H3808 receive H3947 instruction H4148 to hearken H8085 to H413 my words? H1697 saith H5002 the LORD. H3068
Jer 35:14 ( H853 ) The words H1697 of Jonadab H3082 the son H1121 of Rechab, H7394 that H834 he commanded H6680 ( H853 ) his sons H1121 not H1115 to drink H8354 wine, H3196 are performed; H6965 for unto H5704 this H2088 day H3117 they drink H8354 none, H3808 but H3588 obey H8085 ( H853 ) their father's H1 commandment: H4687 notwithstanding I H595 have spoken H1696 unto H413 you, rising early H7925 and speaking; H1696 but ye hearkened H8085 not H3808 unto H413 me.
Jer 35:15 I have sent H7971 also unto H413 you( H853 ) all H3605 my servants H5650 the prophets, H5030 rising up early H7925 and sending H7971 them, saying, H559 Return H7725 ye now H4994 every man H376 from his evil H7451 way, H4480 H1870 and amend H3190 your doings, H4611 and go H1980 not H408 after H310 other H312 gods H430 to serve H5647 them, and ye shall dwell H3427 in H413 the land H127 which H834 I have given H5414 to you and to your fathers: H1 but ye have not H3808 inclined H5186 ( H853 ) your ear, H241 nor H3808 hearkened H8085 unto H413 me.
Jer 35:16 Because H3588 the sons H1121 of Jonadab H3082 the son H1121 of Rechab H7394 have performed H6965 ( H853 ) the commandment H4687 of their father, H1 which H834 he commanded H6680 them; but this H2088 people H5971 hath not H3808 hearkened H8085 unto H413 me:
Jer 35:17 Therefore H3651 thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 God H430 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Behold, H2009 I will bring H935 upon H413 Judah H3063 and upon H413 all H3605 the inhabitants H3427 of Jerusalem H3389 ( H853 ) all H3605 the evil H7451 that H834 I have pronounced H1696 against H5921 them: because H3282 I have spoken H1696 unto H413 them, but they have not H3808 heard; H8085 and I have called H7121 unto them, but they have not H3808 answered. H6030
Jer 35:18 And Jeremiah H3414 said H559 unto the house H1004 of the Rechabites, H7397 Thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Because H3283 H834 ye have obeyed H8085 H5921 the commandment H4687 of Jonadab H3082 your father, H1 and kept H8104 ( H853 ) all H3605 his precepts, H4687 and done H6213 according unto all H3605 that H834 he hath commanded H6680 you:
Performed
H6965 (Strong)
קוּם
qûm
koom
A primitive root; to rise (in various applications, literally, figuratively, intensively and causatively): - abide, accomplish, X be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, X be dim, endure, X enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, X but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure (-ly), (be) up (-hold, -rising).
Jer 35:14 ( H853 ) The words H1697 of Jonadab H3082 the son H1121 of Rechab, H7394 that H834 he commanded H6680 ( H853 ) his sons H1121 not H1115 to drink H8354 wine, H3196 are performed; H6965 for unto H5704 this H2088 day H3117 they drink H8354 none, H3808 but H3588 obey H8085 ( H853 ) their father's H1 commandment: H4687 notwithstanding I H595 have spoken H1696 unto H413 you, rising early H7925 and speaking; H1696 but ye hearkened H8085 not H3808 unto H413 me.
Jer 35:16 Because H3588 the sons H1121 of Jonadab H3082 the son H1121 of Rechab H7394 have performed H6965 ( H853 ) the commandment H4687 of their father, H1 which H834 he commanded H6680 them; but this H2088 people H5971 hath not H3808 hearkened H8085 unto H413 me:
Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;
So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.
Psalm 45:10-11
Inclined (your ear)
H5186 (Strong)
נָטָה
nâṭâh
naw-taw'
A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of applications: - + afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield.
Jer 35:15 I have sent H7971 also unto H413 you( H853 ) all H3605 my servants H5650 the prophets, H5030 rising up early H7925 and sending H7971 them, saying, H559 Return H7725 ye now H4994 every man H376 from his evil H7451 way, H4480 H1870 and amend H3190 your doings, H4611 and go H1980 not H408 after H310 other H312 gods H430 to serve H5647 them, and ye shall dwell H3427 in H413 the land H127 which H834 I have given H5414 to you and to your fathers: H1 but ye have not H3808 inclined H5186 ( H853 ) your ear, H241 nor H3808 hearkened H8085 unto H413 me.
Answered
H6030 (Strong)
עָנָה
‛ânâh
aw-naw'
A primitive root; properly to eye or (generally) to heed, that is, pay attention; by implication to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, announce: - give account, afflict [by mistake for H6031], (cause to, give) answer, bring low [by mistake for H6031], cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, X scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042, H1043.
Jer 35:17 Therefore H3651 thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 God H430 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Behold, H2009 I will bring H935 upon H413 Judah H3063 and upon H413 all H3605 the inhabitants H3427 of Jerusalem H3389 ( H853 ) all H3605 the evil H7451 that H834 I have pronounced H1696 against H5921 them: because H3282 I have spoken H1696 unto H413 them, but they have not H3808 heard; H8085 and I have called H7121 unto them, but they have not H3808 answered. H6030
Kept
H8104 (Strong)
שָׁמַר
shâmar
shaw-mar'
A primitive root; properly to hedge about (as with thorns), that is, guard; generally to protect, attend to, etc.: - beware, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep (-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch (-man).
Jer 35:18 And Jeremiah H3414 said H559 unto the house H1004 of the Rechabites, H7397 Thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Because H3283 H834 ye have obeyed H8085 H5921 the commandment H4687 of Jonadab H3082 your father, H1 and kept H8104 ( H853 ) all H3605 his precepts, H4687 and done H6213 according unto all H3605 that H834 he hath commanded H6680 you:
Done
H6213 (Strong)
עָשָׂה
‛âśâh
aw-saw'
A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application: - accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, X certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, + displease, do, (ready) dress (-ed), (put in) execute (-ion), exercise, fashion, + feast, [fight-] ing man, + finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfil, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, + hinder, hold ([a feast]), X indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, + officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, practise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, X sacrifice, serve, set, shew, X sin, spend, X surely, take, X thoroughly, trim, X very, + vex, be [warr-] ior, work (-man), yield, use.
Jer 35:10 But we have dwelt H3427 in tents, H168 and have obeyed, H8085 and done H6213 according to all H3605 that H834 Jonadab H3122 our father H1 commanded H6680 us.
Jer 35:18 And Jeremiah H3414 said H559 unto the house H1004 of the Rechabites, H7397 Thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Because H3283 H834 ye have obeyed H8085 H5921 the commandment H4687 of Jonadab H3082 your father, H1 and kept H8104 ( H853 ) all H3605 his precepts, H4687 and done H6213 according unto all H3605 that H834 he hath commanded H6680 you:
My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
Proverbs 7:1-3
Command (Charge)
H6680 (Strong)
צָוָה
tsâvâh
tsaw-vaw'
A primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin: - appoint, (for-) bid. (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command (-er, ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order.
Jer 35:6 But they said, H559 We will drink H8354 no H3808 wine: H3196 for H3588 Jonadab H3122 the son H1121 of Rechab H7394 our father H1 commanded H6680 H5921 us, saying, H559 Ye shall drink H8354 no H3808 wine, H3196 neither ye, H859 nor your sons H1121 for ever: H5704 H5769
Jer 35:8 Thus have we obeyed H8085 the voice H6963 of Jonadab H3082 the son H1121 of Rechab H7394 our father H1 in all H3605 that H834 he hath charged H6680 us, to drink H8354 no H1115 wine H3196 all H3605 our days, H3117 we, H587 our wives, H802 our sons, H1121 nor our daughters; H1323
Jer 35:10 But we have dwelt H3427 in tents, H168 and have obeyed, H8085 and done H6213 according to all H3605 that H834 Jonadab H3122 our father H1 commanded H6680 us.
Jer 35:14 ( H853 ) The words H1697 of Jonadab H3082 the son H1121 of Rechab, H7394 that H834 he commanded H6680 ( H853 ) his sons H1121 not H1115 to drink H8354 wine, H3196 are performed; H6965 for unto H5704 this H2088 day H3117 they drink H8354 none, H3808 but H3588 obey H8085 ( H853 ) their father's H1 commandment: H4687 notwithstanding I H595 have spoken H1696 unto H413 you, rising early H7925 and speaking; H1696 but ye hearkened H8085 not H3808 unto H413 me.
Jer 35:16 Because H3588 the sons H1121 of Jonadab H3082 the son H1121 of Rechab H7394 have performed H6965 ( H853 ) the commandment H4687 of their father, H1 which H834 he commanded H6680 them; but this H2088 people H5971 hath not H3808 hearkened H8085 unto H413 me:
Jer 35:18 And Jeremiah H3414 said H559 unto the house H1004 of the Rechabites, H7397 Thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Because H3283 H834 ye have obeyed H8085 H5921 the commandment H4687 of Jonadab H3082 your father, H1 and kept H8104 ( H853 ) all H3605 his precepts, H4687 and done H6213 according unto all H3605 that H834 he hath commanded H6680 you:
Commandment
H4687 (Strong)
מִצְוָה
mitsvâh
mits-vaw'
From H6680; a command, whether human or divine (collectively the Law): - (which was) commanded (-ment), law, ordinance, precept.
Jer 35:14 ( H853 ) The words H1697 of Jonadab H3082 the son H1121 of Rechab, H7394 that H834 he commanded H6680 ( H853 ) his sons H1121 not H1115 to drink H8354 wine, H3196 are performed; H6965 for unto H5704 this H2088 day H3117 they drink H8354 none, H3808 but H3588 obey H8085 ( H853 ) their father's H1 commandment: H4687 notwithstanding I H595 have spoken H1696 unto H413 you, rising early H7925 and speaking; H1696 but ye hearkened H8085 not H3808 unto H413 me.
Jer 35:16 Because H3588 the sons H1121 of Jonadab H3082 the son H1121 of Rechab H7394 have performed H6965 ( H853 ) the commandment H4687 of their father, H1 which H834 he commanded H6680 them; but this H2088 people H5971 hath not H3808 hearkened H8085 unto H413 me:
Jer 35:18 And Jeremiah H3414 said H559 unto the house H1004 of the Rechabites, H7397 Thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Because H3283 H834 ye have obeyed H8085 H5921 the commandment H4687 of Jonadab H3082 your father, H1 and kept H8104 ( H853 ) all H3605 his precepts, H4687 and done H6213 according unto all H3605 that H834 he hath commanded H6680 you:
Voice
H6963 (Strong)
קֹל קוֹל
qôl qôl
kole, kole
From an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound: - + aloud, bleating, crackling, cry (+ out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, + hold peace, [pro-] claim, proclamation, + sing, sound, + spark, thunder (-ing), voice, + yell.
Jer 35:8 Thus have we obeyed H8085 the voice H6963 of Jonadab H3082 the son H1121 of Rechab H7394 our father H1 in all H3605 that H834 he hath charged H6680 us, to drink H8354 no H1115 wine H3196 all H3605 our days, H3117 we, H587 our wives, H802 our sons, H1121 nor our daughters; H1323
Call
H7121 (Strong)
קָרָא
qârâ'
kaw-raw'
A primitive root (rather identical with H7122 through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (that is, properly addressby name, but used in a wide variety of applications): - bewray [self], that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim (-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
Jer 35:17 Therefore H3651 thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 God H430 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Behold, H2009 I will bring H935 upon H413 Judah H3063 and upon H413 all H3605 the inhabitants H3427 of Jerusalem H3389 ( H853 ) all H3605 the evil H7451 that H834 I have pronounced H1696 against H5921 them: because H3282 I have spoken H1696 unto H413 them, but they have not H3808 heard; H8085 and I have called H7121 unto them, but they have not H3808 answered. H6030
Saying
H559 (Strong)
אָמַר
'âmar
aw-mar'
A primitive root; to say (used with great latitude): - answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command (ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use [speech], utter, X verily, X yet.
Jer 35:1 The word H1697 which H834 came H1961 unto H413 Jeremiah H3414 from H4480 H854 the LORD H3068 in the days H3117 of Jehoiakim H3079 the son H1121 of Josiah H2977 king H4428 of Judah, H3063 saying, H559
Jer 35:5 And I set H5414 before H6440 the sons H1121 of the house H1004 of the Rechabites H7397 pots H1375 full H4392 of wine, H3196 and cups, H3563 and I said H559 unto H413 them, Drink H8354 ye wine. H3196
Jer 35:6 But they said, H559 We will drink H8354 no H3808 wine: H3196 for H3588 Jonadab H3122 the son H1121 of Rechab H7394 our father H1 commanded H6680 H5921 us, saying, H559 Ye shall drink H8354 no H3808 wine, H3196 neither ye, H859 nor your sons H1121 for ever: H5704 H5769
Jer 35:11 But it came to pass, H1961 when Nebuchadrezzar H5019 king H4428 of Babylon H894 came up H5927 into H413 the land, H776 that we said, H559 Come, H935 and let us go H935 to Jerusalem H3389 for fear H4480 H6440 of the army H2428 of the Chaldeans, H3778 and for fear H4480 H6440 of the army H2428 of the Syrians: H758 so we dwell H3427 at Jerusalem. H3389
Jer 35:12 Then came H1961 the word H1697 of the LORD H3068 unto H413 Jeremiah, H3414 saying, H559
Jer 35:13 Thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Go H1980 and tell H559 the men H376 of Judah H3063 and the inhabitants H3427 of Jerusalem, H3389 Will ye not H3808 receive H3947 instruction H4148 to hearken H8085 to H413 my words? H1697 saith H5002 the LORD. H3068
Jer 35:15 I have sent H7971 also unto H413 you( H853 ) all H3605 my servants H5650 the prophets, H5030 rising up early H7925 and sending H7971 them, saying, H559 Return H7725 ye now H4994 every man H376 from his evil H7451 way, H4480 H1870 and amend H3190 your doings, H4611 and go H1980 not H408 after H310 other H312 gods H430 to serve H5647 them, and ye shall dwell H3427 in H413 the land H127 which H834 I have given H5414 to you and to your fathers: H1 but ye have not H3808 inclined H5186 ( H853 ) your ear, H241 nor H3808 hearkened H8085 unto H413 me.
Jer 35:17 Therefore H3651 thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 God H430 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Behold, H2009 I will bring H935 upon H413 Judah H3063 and upon H413 all H3605 the inhabitants H3427 of Jerusalem H3389 ( H853 ) all H3605 the evil H7451 that H834 I have pronounced H1696 against H5921 them: because H3282 I have spoken H1696 unto H413 them, but they have not H3808 heard; H8085 and I have called H7121 unto them, but they have not H3808 answered. H6030
Jer 35:18 And Jeremiah H3414 said H559 unto the house H1004 of the Rechabites, H7397 Thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Because H3283 H834 ye have obeyed H8085 H5921 the commandment H4687 of Jonadab H3082 your father, H1 and kept H8104 ( H853 ) all H3605 his precepts, H4687 and done H6213 according unto all H3605 that H834 he hath commanded H6680 you:
Jer 35:19 Therefore H3651 thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Jonadab H3122 the son H1121 of Rechab H7394 shall not H3808 want H3772 a man H376 to stand H5975 before H6440 me for ever. H3605 H3117
Speaking (Spoken, Pronounced)
H1696 (Strong)
דָּבַר
dâbar
daw-bar'
A primitive root; perhaps properly to arrange; but used figuratively (of words) to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue: - answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use [entreaties], utter, X well, X work.
Jer 35:2 Go H1980 unto H413 the house H1004 of the Rechabites, H7397 and speak unto H1696 them, and bring H935 them into the house H1004 of the LORD, H3068 into H413 one H259 of the chambers, H3957 and give them wine H3196 to drink. H8248
Jer 35:14 ( H853 ) The words H1697 of Jonadab H3082 the son H1121 of Rechab, H7394 that H834 he commanded H6680 ( H853 ) his sons H1121 not H1115 to drink H8354 wine, H3196 are performed; H6965 for unto H5704 this H2088 day H3117 they drink H8354 none, H3808 but H3588 obey H8085 ( H853 ) their father's H1 commandment: H4687 notwithstanding I H595 have spoken H1696 unto H413 you, rising early H7925 and speaking; H1696 but ye hearkened H8085 not H3808 unto H413 me.
Jer 35:17 Therefore H3651 thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 God H430 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Behold, H2009 I will bring H935 upon H413 Judah H3063 and upon H413 all H3605 the inhabitants H3427 of Jerusalem H3389 ( H853 ) all H3605 the evil H7451 that H834 I have pronounced H1696 against H5921 them: because H3282 I have spoken H1696 unto H413 them, but they have not H3808 heard; H8085 and I have called H7121 unto them, but they have not H3808 answered. H6030
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
Proverbs 3:1-2
Instruction (Precepts)
H4148 (Strong)
מוּסָר
mûsâr
moo-sawr'
From H3256; properly chastisement; figuratively reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint: - bond, chastening ([-eth]), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke.
Jer 35:13 Thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Go H1980 and tell H559 the men H376 of Judah H3063 and the inhabitants H3427 of Jerusalem, H3389 Will ye not H3808 receive H3947 instruction H4148 to hearken H8085 to H413 my words? H1697 saith H5002 the LORD. H3068
Precepts (Commandment)
H4687 (Strong)
מִצְוָה
mitsvâh
mits-vaw'
From H6680; a command, whether human or divine (collectively the Law): - (which was) commanded (-ment), law, ordinance, precept.
Jer 35:14 ( H853 ) The words H1697 of Jonadab H3082 the son H1121 of Rechab, H7394 that H834 he commanded H6680 ( H853 ) his sons H1121 not H1115 to drink H8354 wine, H3196 are performed; H6965 for unto H5704 this H2088 day H3117 they drink H8354 none, H3808 but H3588 obey H8085 ( H853 ) their father's H1 commandment: H4687 notwithstanding I H595 have spoken H1696 unto H413 you, rising early H7925 and speaking; H1696 but ye hearkened H8085 not H3808 unto H413 me.
Jer 35:16 Because H3588 the sons H1121 of Jonadab H3082 the son H1121 of Rechab H7394 have performed H6965 ( H853 ) the commandment H4687 of their father, H1 which H834 he commanded H6680 them; but this H2088 people H5971 hath not H3808 hearkened H8085 unto H413 me:
Jer 35:18 And Jeremiah H3414 said H559 unto the house H1004 of the Rechabites, H7397 Thus H3541 saith H559 the LORD H3068 of hosts, H6635 the God H430 of Israel; H3478 Because H3283 H834 ye have obeyed H8085 H5921 the commandment H4687 of Jonadab H3082 your father, H1 and kept H8104 ( H853 ) all H3605 his precepts, H4687 and done H6213 according unto all H3605 that H834 he hath commanded H6680 you:
Other Words
Children, obey your parents in the Lord,.... The persons whose duty this is, "children", are such of every sex, male and female, and of every age, and of every state and condition; and though the true, legitimate, and immediate offspring of men may be chiefly respected, yet not exclusive of spurious children, and adopted ones, and of children-in-law; and the persons to whom obedience from them is due, are not only real and immediate parents, both father and mother, but such who are in the room of parents, as step-fathers, step-mothers, guardians, nurses, &c. and all who are in the ascending line, as grandfathers, grandmothers, &c. to these, children should be subject and obedient in all things lawful, just, and good; in everything that is not sinful and unlawful, by the word of God; and in things indifferent, as much as in them lies, and even in things which are difficult to perform: and this obedience should be hearty and sincere, and not merely verbal, and in show and appearance, nor mercenary; and should be joined with gratitude and thankfulness for past favours: and it should be "in the Lord"; which may be considered either as a limitation of the obedience, that it should be in things that are agreeable to the mind and will of the Lord; or as an argument to it, because it is the command of the Lord, and is wellpleasing in his sight, and makes for his glory, and therefore should be done for his sake:
for this is right; it appears to be right by the light of nature, by which the very Heathens have taught it; and it is equitable from reason that so it should be; and it is just by the law of God, which commands nothing but what is holy, just, and good.
John Gill on Ephesians 6:1
This is already a huge post, but I recommend my reader consider the following words and phrases in their context, and examine them against modern understandings:
For ever
will
house of
father
your sons
our wives
our daughters
are performed
shall not want a man
stand before
Missing Words
I also encourage my readers to look for the following words. Indeed to search diligently. For they are not in the text, although they seem to be in the mouths of many preachers preaching on this subject:
advice
counsel
wisdom
tradition
culture
vow
Spiritual father
Conclusion
the sons of Rechab are the most illustrious examples of filial obedience the world has ever known.
Preacher’s Homiletical
The post continues below, but I am putting my conclusion here. I encourage my readers to read back and forth to see whether the Scriptures support my conclusion and those of the commentators. Namely:
The authority of a father continues over his grown sons and down through the generations. God’s call for children to honour their father and mother does not merely concern little children still living in their father’s house, but children of all ages and generations. This is the obedience of which Paul speaks, and which he says is the first commandment with promise.
If the Scriptures, above, do not speak clearly enough, the commentators will reveal that, at least for large portions of church history, this has been the view of the church. They are not inspired, but it should give us pause if we are proposing an interpretation that has never been given before.
This post is the second in the Jonadab series. The first post dealt directly with the story. My series on patriarchy might also be interesting to those interested in this subject.
Commentators
I include here passages from several commenators on Jeremiah 35, particuarly where they deal with the issue of the obedience of the Rechabites to their father. I recommend that my readers read these commentaries in full. Bold emphasis are added.
Calvin
His counsel is, however, not commended, but the obedience which his sons rendered; and this is here proposed as an example, in order to make the Jews ashamed, because they so perversely rejected the Law of God and the doctrine of the Prophets: and it is an argument from the less to the greater; for if the authority of a mortal man prevailed so much with his posterity as to cause them to abstain from wine, and not only to live frugally, but also to endure cold and want and other hard things, how much more it behoved the Jews to do what was right and easy, when God commanded them: This is one thing, even a comparison between God and mortal man. And then there is another, — that this precept continued in force for three hundred years, and kept posterity from neglect; but the Law of God, which continually sounded in the ears of the people, had no power to influence them. Here is another comparison. The third is, that God acted equitably, and did not press too much on the Jews, so as to make the rigor of the law odious and wearisome: as then God used moderation in his Law, so as to require from the people nothing but what was easy to be borne, he says that Jonadab was rigid and austere, for he forbade the use of wine and did not allow his posterity to cultivate fields, nor to dwell in houses.
This threefold comparison ought then to be borne in mind, and these three parts of the contrast ought to be well considered, even that God had not obtained from his people what Jonadab had from his posterity; and also that God, continually admonishing, prevailed nothing, when a regard for a dead man retained posterity in their duty; and further, that the Law of God, which required nothing but what might be easily done, had been perversely rejected by the Jews, when the Rechabites, in honor to their dead father, suffered themselves to be deprived of all luxuries, and dreaded not an austere, rustic, and, as it were, a savage kind of life; for they not only abstained from wine, but also dared not to shelter themselves from cold by dwelling in houses, and were forbidden all the comforts of life.
Now that. the Prophet was ordered to offer them wine, and that they refused, a question here arises, Was their continency in this respect laudable? They seemed thus to prefer Jonadab to God, for they knew that Jeremiah, who offered them wine, was sent by God. But the Rechabites, no doubt, modestly excused themselves, when they said that it was not right for them to drink wine, because they had been forbidden by their father. It was not then their purpose to give more honor to their father than to God or to his Prophet, but they simply answered for the sake of excusing themselves, that they had abstained from wine for three hundred years, that is, that the whole family had done so. This, then, is the solution of the question. But what the Papists do in bringing against us the Rechabites, first to support their tyrannical laws, and secondly, in order to torment miserable consciences at their pleasure, is frivolous in the extreme. As I have already said, the advice of Jonadab is not commended, as though he had rightly forbidden his sons to drink wine; but only his sons are spoken of as having reverently and humbly obeyed the command of their dead father. Then this passage gives no countenance to the Papists, as though the object of it was to bind the consciences of the faithful to their laws; for what is here spoken of is, that the Rechabites proved by their obedience how base and wicked was the obduracy of the people, as they shewed less reverence and honor to God than these did to a man that was dead.
But the Papists, however, dwell much on another point, — that whatever has been handed down from the fathers ought to be observed; and thus they reason, “The authority of the whole Church is greater than that of a private man; now the Rechabites are commended for having followed the command of a private individual, much more then ought we to obey the laws of the Church.” To this I answer, that we ought to obey the fathers and the whole Church: nor have we a controversy with them on this subject; for we do not simply say, that everything which men have delivered to us ought to be rejected; but we deny that we ought to obey the laws of men, when they bind the conscience without any necessity. When, therefore, a religious act is enjoined on us, men arrogate to themselves what is peculiar to God alone; thus the authority of God is violated, when men claim so much for themselves as to bind consciences by their own laws. We must then distinguish between civil laws, such as are introduced to preserve order, or for some other end, and spiritual laws, such as are introduced into God’s worship, and by which religion is enjoined, and necessity is laid on consciences. — But I cannot now finish, for I see that the hour has already passed.
Jeremiah 35:8
Jeremiah explains at large what might have been expressed in few words, in order to amplify the constancy of the Rechabites. For one may obey his father, and yet be not so fixed in his purpose, but that he might on some slight occasion fail in his duty. Jeremiah here shews that such was the prompt perseverance of the Rechabites, that they could not be enticed by having wine set before them; but that as though no temptation had been presented to them, they kept the commandment of their father, who, at the same time, had been dead, as it has already appeared, some ages before.
They then said, that they hearkened to the voice of Jonabab the son of Rechab, their father; and also added, according to all the things which he has commanded us tle again relates what Jonadab had commanded, and to this belongs the sentence, According to all things, etc. For had he ordered them only to be abstemious, to obey would not have been difficult or hard; he designed to bind them to a wandering life, that they might be covered only by tents, and that they might not possess anything. As then Jonadab did not in one thing only try the obedience of his family, it appears more clearly how great was their promptitude and perseverance in obeying.
They then said, first, that they were not to drink wine; and also added, all their days We indeed know that the Nazarites were forbidden to drink wine, but it was only for a time, until they had performed their vow; we also know, that when the priest was discharging his duty, he was not allowed, for that time, to take wine. But afterwards the priests as well as the Nazarites, resumed their common mode of living. But to taste no wine throughout life was a thing far more difficult. The Prophet, no doubt, detailed these particulars, that he might load the Jews with greater disgrace, who, in a matter the most just, and by no means hard, were not, as we shall see, obedient to God. They said, We, our wives, our sons, our daughters, as though they had said, “This precept has ever been observed in our family; and what has been delivered to us, by our fathers, we have followed to this day, as also our fathers, who obeyed the command of a dead man, because his will had been explained to them.”Here the Prophet, that he might affect the Jews more deeply, promises a reward to the sons of Jonadab, because they obeyed their father; and he promises them a blessing from God. Nor is it to be wondered at, for this commandment, as Paul says, is the first to which a promise is annexed. (Eph 6:2) God promises generally a reward to all who keep the Law, for every command has in general connected with it the hope of reward; but this is in a special manner added to the Fifth Commandment: “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thou mayest prolong thy life,” etc. It is, then, nothing strange that God promised a reward to the Rechabites, because they followed the command of their father, for he had promised that in the Law.
But what the Papists allege, that the obedience rendered to the Church is on the same account pleasing to God, may, as we have said, be easily confuted; for if the Rechabites had followed the command of their father in a thing unlawfill, they would have been worthy of punishment; but as this precept, as we have shewn, was not inconsistent with God’s Law, God approved of their obedience. But the laws which are made for the purpose of setting up fictitious modes of worship are altogether impious, for they introduce idolatry. God has prescribed how he would have us to worship him; whatever, therefore, men bring in of themselves is wholly impious, for it adulterates the pure worship of God; and further, when necessity is laid on consciences, it is, as we have said, a tyrannical bondage. Such was not the object of Jonadab; for what he commanded his posterity was useful, and referred only to things of this life; and it did not bind their consciences; for when it was necessary they moved to Jerusalem and dwelt as others in houses; for they did not erect tents at Jerusalem, but lived in hired dwellings; and yet they obeyed their father’s command, for his purpose in ordering them to dwell in tents, was, that they might remain unincumbered, so that they might be always ready to move. We hence see how foolishly the Papists pervert this passage in order to support their tyrannical laws.
And thus this truth may stand, that the obedience of the Rechabites pleased God, because nature itself requires that children should obey their parents; and we also know that God often rewards the shadows of virtues in order to shew that virtues themselves are pleasing to him. (100) But there is no doubt but that this promise, as I have before said, was designedly given, in order to stimulate the Jews, according to what is said in the Song of Moses,
“I will provoke them by a foolish nation, because they have provoked me by those who are no gods; and I will take vengeance on them, for I will bring forth nations which were not before.” (Deu 32:21)
(100) We see an instance of this in Ahab, 1Kg 21:27. — Ed.
Matthew Henry
Jeremiah 35:12-19
The trial of the Rechabites' constancy was intended but for a sign; now here we have the application of it.
I. The Rechabites' observance of their father's charge to them is made use of as an aggravation of the disobedience of the Jews to God. Let them see it and be ashamed. The prophet asks them, in God's name, “Will you not at length receive instruction? Jer 35:13. Will nothing affect you? Will nothing fasten upon you? Will nothing prevail to discover sin and duty to you? You see how obedient the Rechabites are to their father's commandment (Jer 35:14); but you have not inclined your ear to me” (Jer 35:15), though one might much more reasonably expect that the people of God should have obeyed him than that the sons of Jonadab should have obeyed him; and the aggravation is very high, for, 1. The Rechabites were obedient to one who was but a man like themselves, who had but the wisdom and power of a man, and was only the father of their flesh; but the Jews were disobedient to an infinite and eternal God, who had an absolute authority over them, as the Father of their spirits. 2. Jonadab was long since dead, and was ignorant of them, and could neither take cognizance of their disobedience to his orders nor give correction for it; but God lives for ever, to see how his laws are observed, and is in a readiness to revenge all disobedience. 3. The Rechabites were never put in mind of their obligations to their father; but God often sent his prophets to his people, to put them in mind of their duty to him, and yet they would not do it. This is insisted on here as a great aggravation of their disobedience: “I have myself spoken to you, rising early and speaking by the written word and the dictates and admonitions of conscience (Jer 35:14); nay, I have sent unto you all my servants the prophets, men like yourselves, whose terrors shall not make you afraid, rising up early and sending them (Jer 35:15), and yet all in vain.” 4. Jonadab never did that for his seed which God had done for his people. He left them a charge, but left them no estate to bear the charge; but God had given his people a good land, and promised them that, if they would be obedient, they should still dwell in it, so that they were bound both in gratitude and interest to be obedient, and yet they would not hear, they would not hearken. 5. God did not tie up his people to so much hardship, and to such instances of mortification, as Jonadab obliged his seed to; and yet Jonadab's orders were obeyed and God's were not.
II. Judgments are threatened, as often before, against Judah and Jerusalem, for their disobedience thus aggravated. The Rechabites shall rise up in judgment against them, and shall condemn them; for they very punctually performed the commandment of their father, and continued and persevered in their obedience to it (Jer 35:16); but this people, this rebellious and gainsaying people, have not hearkened unto me; and therefore (Jer 35:17), because they have not obeyed the precepts of the word, God will perform the threatenings of it: “I will bring upon them, by the Chaldean army, all the evil pronounced against them both in the law and in the prophets, for I have spoken to them, I have called to them - spoken in a still small voice to those that were near and called aloud to those that were at a distance, tried all ways and means to convince and reduce them - spoken by my word, called by my providence, both to the same purport, and yet all to no purpose; they have not heard nor answered.”
III. Mercy is here promised to the family of the Rechabites for their steady and unanimous adherence to the laws of their house. Though it was only for the shaming of Israel that their constancy was tried, yet, being unshaken, it was found unto praise, and honour, and glory; and God takes occasion from it to tell them that he had favours in reserve for them (Jer 35:18, Jer 35:19) and that they should have the comfort of them. 1. That the family shall continue as long as any of the families of Israel, among whom they were strangers and sojourners. it shall never want a man to inherit what they had, though they had no inheritance to leave. Note, Sometimes those that have the smallest estates have the most numerous progeny; but he that sends mouths will be sure to send meat. 2. That religion shall continue in the family: “He shall not want a man to stand before me, to serve me.” Though they are neither priests nor levites, nor appear to have had any post in the temple service, yet in a constant course of regular devotion, they stand before God, to minister to him. Note, (1.) The greatest blessing that can be entailed upon a family is to have the worship of God kept up in it from generation to generation. (2.) Temperance, self-denial, and mortification to the world, do very much befriend the exercises of piety, and help to transmit the observance of them to posterity. The more dead we are to the delights of sense the better we are disposed for the service of God; but nothing is more fatal to the entail of religion in a family than pride and luxury.
John Gill
INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH 35
In this chapter the disobedience of the people of the Jews unto God is aggravated by the obedience of the Rechabites to their father; and the one are threatened with the judgments of God upon them, and the other have a promise of the divine blessing. The time of this prophecy is observed; Jer 35:1; an order to bring the Rechabites into one of the chambers of the temple, which was done accordingly, Jer 35:2; wine is set before them to drink; which they refuse; alleging the command of their father to the contrary, Jer 35:5; which they had carefully and constantly obeyed in every part of it, excepting that which respects their dwelling in tents; for which they give a reason, Jer 35:8; by this instance of filial obedience to parents, the disobedience of the Jews towards their Father, which is in heaven, is aggravated; who, though he gave them laws and commandments, and sent his prophets to put them in mind of them, and exhort them to obedience, yet hearkened not to them, Jer 35:12; wherefore the Lord threatens to bring all the evil on them he had pronounced, Jer 35:16; and promises the sons of Rechab that there should be always some of them that should minister unto him, Jer 35:18.
Preacher’s Homiletical
THE RECHABITES’ CONSTANCY
“Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us” (Jer 35:6). “We have obeyed and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us” (Jer 35:10).
I. Obedience to man and disobedience to God contrasted (Jer 35:12-15).
1. For three hundred years (cf. 2Ki 10:15) the sons of Rechab implicitly obeyed the injunction of their father Jonadab.
(1.) Obedience to this injunction required great self-denial, singularity of conduct, and many privations.
(2.) Notwithstanding these requirements, the sons of Rechab are the most illustrious examples of filial obedience the world has ever known.
2. The Jewish nation, called the children of God, have never continued for one hundred consecutive years obedient to their Father in heaven.
(1.) Not because God had not given them plain and earnest injunctions (Jer 35:15).
(2.) Not because they could not obey (Jer 35:16, loc. cit.)
3. This contrast is a sad one, and is true in our day.
II. God sets His seal of approval on filial obedience (Jer 35:16-19).
1. The surest and mightiest agency we have for the establishment of righteousness on the earth is filial obedience to that which is good.
2. The reflexive power of filial obedience is a mighty force in the establishment of true character.
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