Jeremiah 35

Jeremiah 35:2

REchabites] it was one of the families of the Kenites, which descended from Jethro, Moses his father in law, which inhabited amongst those of the tribe of Judah, see Jud. 1. 16 and 4. 11. 1 Chronicles 2:1-55. 5. The chambers] of one of the great Porticoes, which went about the courts of the Temple.

Jeremiah 35:4

Of the sons] certainly, it seems to be some family of Priests, or other sacred Officers, whose turn it was to wait upon the service that week, according to the custom, see 2 King. 11. 5. Man of God] namely, a Prophet, or peradventure the same man, as is spoken of, 2 Chronicles 16:7. Princes] namely, the two chief Priests under the high Priest: or the chiefe of those who were in service that week Keeper] that is to say, one of the porters, 1 Chronicles 26:1. and because the porters of the Temple had also the keeping of the holy vessels, some have translated it, The keeper of the holy vessels and ornaments.

Jeremiah 35:5

And said] onely for to try them.

Jeremiah 35:6

Jonadab] some think it was the same as was mentioned, 2 King. 10. 15. and so the word Father was to be taken for one that was born before him. Others think it was their father indeed, and that that order was but newly made Drinke no wine] this was not enjoyned to establish any new arbitrary service, or any rule of greater perfection of life, but onely in imitation of the Nazarites, Numb. 6. 3. for to certaine his posterity in a discipline of life, free from delights and enticements of the flesh, and more conformable to the pastorall life of the M dianites, who were their ancestors, and more befitting them who professed to study and meditare upon holy things, 1 Cor. 2. 55. Now their obedience to this humane command did aggravate the Jews rebellion against the Law of God.

Jeremiah 35:7

Strangers] for being Midianites, they were incorporated into the body of Gods people, and grafted upon that stock, Judges 1:16.

Jeremiah 35:11

When] this is added, to shew that it was not of free will, but compelled through necessity that they were come into Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 35:19

To stand] those that were of Hamaths posterity, from whom the Rechabites came, had continually much applied themselves to the study of holy Writ, 1 Chronicles 2:55. and did teach it publikely in the Temple, see Jeremiah 36:10. and therefore many of them were there very frequently. And the continuation of this gift is here promised to the Rechabites, together with Gods blessing.