ObedienceObedienceof the Rechabitesof the Rechabites

Jeremiah 35Jeremiah 35

Background to Jeremiah 35Background to Jeremiah 35

• It is the time of the Babylonian Captivity, It is the time of the Babylonian Captivity, c. 605 – 598 B.C. (vv.1,11; 2 K. 24:1-2)c. 605 – 598 B.C. (vv.1,11; 2 K. 24:1-2)

• The Rechabites were descendants of the The Rechabites were descendants of the Kenites, who were descendants of Moses’ Kenites, who were descendants of Moses’ father-in-law (1 Chron. 2:55; Judges 1:16; father-in-law (1 Chron. 2:55; Judges 1:16; 4:11)4:11)

• The Rechabites’ loyalty is tested (vv.2-11)The Rechabites’ loyalty is tested (vv.2-11)

Background to Jeremiah 35Background to Jeremiah 35

• The Rechabites’ loyalty is set forth as an The Rechabites’ loyalty is set forth as an example to disloyal Judah (vv. 12-17)example to disloyal Judah (vv. 12-17)

• Disloyal Judah will be punished, but the Disloyal Judah will be punished, but the loyal Rechabites will be rewarded loyal Rechabites will be rewarded (vv. 18-19)(vv. 18-19)

Lessons in ObedienceLessons in Obedience

The Rechabites were obedient…The Rechabites were obedient…• To an ancient command given about 240 To an ancient command given about 240

years before (vv.6,14; 2 K. 10:15,23)years before (vv.6,14; 2 K. 10:15,23)- - God’s commands are ancient but they are God’s commands are ancient but they are

still God’s word and must be obeyed still God’s word and must be obeyed (2 Tim. 1:13; 3:16-17)(2 Tim. 1:13; 3:16-17)

• In spite of their cultural circumstancesIn spite of their cultural circumstances- - God’s commands must be obeyed in any God’s commands must be obeyed in any

culture and at any time (Dan. 1, 3, 6)culture and at any time (Dan. 1, 3, 6)

Lessons in ObedienceLessons in Obedience

The Rechabites were obedient…The Rechabites were obedient…• With temperance in the face of temptation With temperance in the face of temptation

(v.5)(v.5)

- - God’s commands must be obeyed in the face God’s commands must be obeyed in the face of any temptation (Jas. 4:7-8)of any temptation (Jas. 4:7-8)

Lessons in ObedienceLessons in Obedience

The Rechabites were obedient…The Rechabites were obedient…• Because they respected a personal, plain and Because they respected a personal, plain and

prohibitive commandprohibitive command- - God’s commands must be respected; they are God’s commands must be respected; they are

not optional (1 Thess. 2:13)not optional (1 Thess. 2:13)• Because they were committed to all of the Because they were committed to all of the

command; all of their life; for all of their command; all of their life; for all of their family (v.8)family (v.8)- God’s commands are for all (Mt. 28:18-20)- God’s commands are for all (Mt. 28:18-20)

Lessons in ObedienceLessons in Obedience

The Rechabites were obedient…The Rechabites were obedient…• To their father (vv.6,8,18)To their father (vv.6,8,18)

- God’s commands and parental commands - God’s commands and parental commands must be obeyed (Eph. 6:1; Col. 3:20)must be obeyed (Eph. 6:1; Col. 3:20)

• And were rewarded for their obedience And were rewarded for their obedience (vv.18-19)(vv.18-19)- God’s commands carry rewards and - God’s commands carry rewards and

punishments (Lk. 12:41-48; Gal. 6:7-8)punishments (Lk. 12:41-48; Gal. 6:7-8)

Obedience of the RechabitesObedience of the Rechabites

• Disloyal Judah did not learn from the Disloyal Judah did not learn from the example of the loyal Rechabitesexample of the loyal Rechabites

• Will you learn from their example?Will you learn from their example?