Bible Strands
Jeremiah 35:16
Yes, the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not listened to Me.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God speaks through Jeremiah to the people of Judah and Jerusalem immediately after recounting the repeated prophetic calls to repentance and just before pronouncing impending disaster.
The words — הֵקִ֗ימוּ (he.Ki.mu) translates literally as "they have carried out," paired with מִצְוַ֥ת (mitz.Vat) meaning "commandment," highlighting the strict execution of Jonadab's directive.
The thread — The contrast between human obedience and divine disobedience appears in Jeremiah 35:14, which notes Jonadab's rules were kept, while Malachi 1:6 and Isaiah 1:3 warn that honoring a master or knowing one's owner is expected, yet Israel failed to recognize God.
Why it lands — The text demands a direct comparison between the Rechabites' compliance with a human ancestor and Judah's refusal to heed God, requiring readers to confront their own accountability to divine instruction.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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:
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 35:14 The words of Jonadab son of Rechab have been carried out. He commanded his sons not to drink wine, and they have not drunk it to this very day because they have obeyed the command of their forefather. But I have spoken to you again and again, and you have not obeyed Me!
- Malachi 1:6 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?” says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name. “But you ask, ‘How have we despised Your name?’
- Isaiah 1:3 The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.”
- Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
- Luke 15:11 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons.
- Luke 15:28 The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him.