Jeremiah 35:16

Verse

Yes, the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not listened to Me.

American Standard Version (1901)

Forasmuch as 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;

Bible in Basic English

Though the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have done the orders of their father which he gave them, this people has not given ear to me:

Douay-Rheims 1899

So the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have constantly kept the commandment of their father, which he commanded them: but this people hath not obeyed me.

Free Bible Version

These descendants of Jonadab son of Rechab have followed the command given to them by their forefather, but these people haven't obeyed me.

Geneva Bible 1599

Surely the sonnes of Ionadab the sonne of Rechab, haue kept the commandement of their father, which he gaue them, but this people hath not obeyed me.

King James (Authorized) 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:

Translation for Translators

The descendants of Jehonadab have obeyed their ancestor, but you have refused to pay attention to what I told you.

Unlocked Literal Bible

For the descendants of Jonadab son of Rekab have observed the commands of their ancestor that he gave them, but this people refuses to listen to me.”'

Noah Webster Bible

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 to me:

World English Bible

The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to me.”’

Young's Literal Translation

'Because the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab have performed the command of their father, that he commanded them, and this people have not hearkened unto Me,

Context

Judah Rebuked

¹⁵Again and again I have sent you all My servants the prophets, proclaiming: ‘Turn now, each of you, from your wicked ways, and correct your actions. Do not go after other gods to serve them. Live in the land that I have given to you and your fathers.’ But you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me.¹⁶Yes, the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not listened to Me.

Summary

This verse commends the Rechabites for their faithfulness in obeying the commands of their ancestor Jonadab. Despite being offered wine by Jeremiah as a test, they remained steadfast in their commitment to abstain from wine, honoring their forefather's instructions. Their obedience serves as a contrast to the disobedience of the people of Judah and Jerusalem. The faithfulness of the Rechabites highlights the importance of honoring family traditions and following God's commands with unwavering loyalty.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Because the son of Jonadab the son of Rechab,.... Here we have the contrast between the Rechabites and the Israelites; the obedience of the one, and the disobedience of the other; the design of which is to aggravate and expose the sin of the Jews, since the former have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them; that particular commandment of not drinking wine, which they had never once violated in such a course of time; nor could they now be prevailed upon, even by the prophet himself, to do it: but this people hath not hearkened unto me; the Lord their God, their father that bought them, made them, and established them. Gross ingratitude! Deu 32:6.