Learn Obedience from the Rechabites
In Jeremiah 35, we find the account of the Rechabites, and in verse 19, we see that the Rechabites are blessed to stand before God forever because they faithfully upheld and obeyed His commands. Have you heard of the Rechabites before? For most believers, it is likely an unfamiliar name.
- Who are the Rechabites?
- The Rechabites are part of the Kenite’s people (1 Chro 2:55)
- The Kenites are Midianites
Moses was raised as a prince in Egypt, but after he killed an Egyptian in defending a Hebrew, he fled to live in Midian. Moses’ father-in-law was Reuel, and the Scripture records that Reuel was a Kenite and a Midianite (Judges 1:16; Num 10:29).
- The Rechabites are Gentiles
Therefore, the Rechabites were originally from a Gentile nation, and God had promised to give the land of the Kenites to the descendants of Abraham. (Gen 15:18-21).
- How did the Rechabites receive God’s blessing?
- They followed the Israelites during the wilderness journey. Some theologians suggest that the Rechabites might have been held in captivity in Egypt and joined the Israelites during the Exodus (Exo 12:37-38). Since Exodus 12:38 records that a “mixed multitude” went up with the Israelites from Egypt, it is possible, though not definitive.
However, the Scripture tells us that when the Israelites reached the wilderness of Sinai and stayed there for about a year, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, also called Reuel, brought Moses’ wife Zipporah and their two sons to him. After hearing of God’s mighty works in delivering Israel, Jethro offered a sacrifice of thanks to God and was about to return to Midian. Moses asked Jethro to stay and help them on their journey. Although Jethro returned to Midian but left Horab, his son, to help Moses in the wilderness (Num 10:29-31: Exo 18:5-6; Exo 18:8-12: Exo 18:27).
This shows us that Moses and his father-in-law had a close relationship. If the Rechabites had decided to join the Israelites on their wilderness journey, Moses likely would have welcome them out of respect for this relationship. Although it is uncertain when exactly the Rechabites began accompanying the Israelites, it is clear that they were among the Israelites at some point during the wilderness journey.
- They obeyed their parents’ commands completely
God commanded the prophet Jeremiah to offer the Rechabites wine to drink (Jeremiah 35:1-2). However, the Rechabites refused, saying that their ancestor Jonadab had instructed them never to drink wine (Jeremiah 35:14).
In Israel, where clean water was scarce, wine was commonly used as a substitute. Thus, drinking wine was not inherently sinful. Similarly, in Jeremiah 35:14, God emphasizes that abstaining from wine was a command from their forefather, not from God directly.
So what was the key issue in God’s eyes?
It was that the Rechabites had upheld their forefather’s command unwaveringly, even after a long time had passed. In Jeremiah 35:14, God contrasted the Rechabites’ strict adherence to their ancestor’s command with the Israelites repeated failure to follow God’s commands.
The primary reason for the Rechabites’ blessing was their obedience. If they were so committed to obeying their earthly father’s command, how much more would they honor and strive to keep the commands of God? (John 12:50)
Beloved saints, we, too must remember and obey God’s word and commands. As we continue to keep His word and unwavering faith, just like the Rechabites, we, too, will receive the blessing of standing forever before God.
Conclusion: What is the blessing of obedience?
Jeremiah 35:19 “Therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me always.”
The Rechabites received the blessing of standing before God forever, which signifies the blessing of serving in the presence of God.
This blessing was granted because they obeyed Jonadab’s commands. So, what were Jonadab’s commands? Jonadab commanded the Rechabites not to drink wine, but also instructed them not to build houses, and to live continually in tents. He also told them not to cultivate fields or plant crops (Jer 35:6-7).
Now, if these commands were meant only for the time during their wilderness journey, they would be understandable, as everyone was living that way. But after entering Canaan, while others built homes and farmed the land, it was no easy command for the Rechabites alone to live without houses or farms.
However, the Rechabites obeyed Jonadab’s commands even up to the time of the prophet Jeremiah, during the decline of Judah. As a result, they maintained their purity of faith.
How were the Rechabites able to preserve their purity of faith? As the Israelites built homes and shifted from herding to farming, they began to prosper-and spiritually decline (Deu 4:25).
But the Rechabites, constantly moving from place to place, setting up tents, and always seeking green pastures and food, avoided the spiritual decay that had affected others.
Is it sinful to build families, establish businesses, or earn money? No, it’s not. These are essential parts of life. However, when these pursuits become our main focus, they can lead to spiritual corruption.
Jonadab urged his descendants to live as pilgrims and sojourners. Beloved saints, we are all pilgrims and sojourners in this world. Do not invest too much in earthly things, and do not place too much hope in them.
Instead, invest in heavenly tings, and may you find satisfaction in what is eternal. I bless you in the name of the Lord, that you may live for what is above.
The Lord's Covenant Church Malaysia 