Jeremiah 35

Chapter Summary

Jeremiah 35 tells the story of the Rechabites, a family who had been instructed by their ancestor Jonadab not to drink wine or build houses. The prophet Jeremiah invites the Rechabites to the temple and offers them wine, but they refuse, citing their obedience to Jonadab's commands. Jeremiah then uses the Rechabites' obedience as an example to condemn the people of Judah for their disobedience to God's commands. The chapter ends with a message of judgment against Judah for their refusal to obey God. Key verses include Jeremiah 35:2-3, where Jeremiah invites the Rechabites to the temple, and Jeremiah 35:14, where God pronounces judgment on Judah.

Context for the Chapter

Jeremiah 35 is part of the larger narrative of Jeremiah, which emphasizes God's judgment on Judah for their disobedience. The chapter serves as a warning to the people of Judah, highlighting the consequences of refusing to obey God's commands. The chapter also fits into the broader biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's will and the consequences of disobedience.

Heart Application

This chapter challenges us to examine our own obedience to God's commands. Are we committed to following God's will, even when it is difficult or unpopular? The Rechabites' obedience serves as an example of the kind of commitment that God requires of His people.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Jeremiah 35 tells the story of the Rechabites, a family who obeyed their ancestor's commands not to drink wine or build houses. The chapter uses the Rechabites' obedience as an example to condemn the people of Judah for their disobedience to God's commands. The chapter ends with a message of judgment against Judah, emphasizing the importance of obeying God's will (Jeremiah 35:14).

Voices from the Church

“The Rechabites' obedience to Jonadab's commands is a remarkable example of the power of tradition and the importance of following God's will.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, emphasizing that disobedience will lead to judgment and condemnation.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Rechabites (35:1-2) — The chapter introduces the Rechabites, a family who had been instructed by their ancestor Jonadab not to drink wine or build houses.
2. The Rechabites' Obedience (35:3-11) — The Rechabites refuse Jeremiah's offer of wine, citing their obedience to Jonadab's commands.
3. Jeremiah's Condemnation of Judah (35:12-17) — Jeremiah uses the Rechabites' obedience as an example to condemn the people of Judah for their disobedience to God's commands.
4. Judgment Against Judah (35:17) — The chapter ends with a message of judgment against Judah for their refusal to obey God's commands.
5. Conclusion (35:18-19) — The chapter concludes with a statement about the Rechabites' obedience and the consequences of Judah's disobedience.

Core Doctrines

Obedience to God's Commands

The chapter emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands, highlighting the consequences of disobedience.

The Role of Tradition

The chapter highlights the role of tradition in shaping the Rechabites' behavior, serving as a reminder that our actions are often influenced by the traditions and commands we follow.

Judgment and Condemnation

The chapter ends with a message of judgment against Judah for their refusal to obey God's commands, emphasizing the seriousness of disobedience.

The Importance of Faithfulness

The Rechabites' faithfulness to their ancestor's commands serves as an example of the kind of commitment that God requires of His people.

Lessons from Jeremiah 35

1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands, highlighting the consequences of disobedience.
2. The Role of Tradition — The chapter highlights the role of tradition in shaping the Rechabites' behavior, serving as a reminder that our actions are often influenced by the traditions and commands we follow.
3. The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter ends with a message of judgment against Judah for their refusal to obey God's commands, emphasizing the seriousness of disobedience.
4. The Importance of Faithfulness — The Rechabites' faithfulness to their ancestor's commands serves as an example of the kind of commitment that God requires of His people.
5. The Challenge of Obedience — The chapter challenges us to examine our own obedience to God's commands, encouraging us to commit to following God's will even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Themes from Jeremiah 35

1. Obedience to God's Commands — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands, highlighting the consequences of disobedience.
2. The Role of Tradition — The chapter highlights the role of tradition in shaping the Rechabites' behavior, serving as a reminder that our actions are often influenced by the traditions and commands we follow.
3. Judgment and Condemnation — The chapter ends with a message of judgment against Judah for their refusal to obey God's commands, emphasizing the seriousness of disobedience.
4. The Importance of Faithfulness — The Rechabites' faithfulness to their ancestor's commands serves as an example of the kind of commitment that God requires of His people.
5. The Challenge of Obedience — The chapter challenges us to examine our own obedience to God's commands, encouraging us to commit to following God's will even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the Rechabites' obedience to Jonadab's commands reveal about their character?
2. How does the chapter's emphasis on obedience to God's commands relate to our own lives?
3. What are the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, according to the chapter?
4. How does the chapter's use of the Rechabites as an example challenge or encourage you in your own walk with God?
5. What does the chapter teach us about the importance of tradition and the role of family in shaping our behavior?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Jeremiah 35

	Sermon	Description
	Traditions vs Commandments by Chuck Smith	This sermon from Jeremiah chapter 35 and Mark's Gospel chapter 7 emphasizes the dangers of prioritizing man-made traditions over God's commandments. It highlights the importance of
	Choosing to Obey! by David Daniel	In this sermon, the pastor begins by sharing a personal story about a horseback riding trip with Pastor Dave and Rose Whittington. He emphasizes the importance of obedience and the
	On Obedience to Pastors by John Wesley	John Wesley emphasizes the importance of obedience to spiritual leaders, urging believers to recognize the authority of pastors who guide them in faith. He critiques both extremes
	The Prophet Jeremiah - Part 2 by H.J. Vine	Jeremiah recounts the historical events following the destruction of Jerusalem, highlighting the faithfulness of the Rechabites in contrast to the disobedience of Israel. The proph

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jeremiah 35

In Jeremiah 35, we see the remarkable example of the Rechabites, who faithfully obeyed the commands of their ancestor Jonadab. This obedience serves as a contrast to the people of Judah's disobedience to God's commands, highlighting the importance of commitment to God's will. As Matthew Henry notes, the Rechabites' obedience is not just a matter of following rules, but a demonstration of their love and respect for their ancestor and for God. The chapter emphasizes the consequences of disobedience, warning the people of Judah of the judgment that will come upon them if they refuse to obey God's commands. Ultimately, the chapter teaches us about the importance of faithfulness to God's will, and the need for us to commit to following His commands, even when it is difficult or unpopular (Jeremiah 35:14). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?