Jeremiah 35:5

Then I set pitchers full of wine and some cups before the men of the house of the Rechabites, and I said to them, "Drink some wine."

Study Bible

Then I set pitchers full of wine
In this passage, Jeremiah is instructed by God to set pitchers full of wine before the Rechabites. The act of setting wine before them is significant, as wine in biblical times was a common beverage, often used in celebrations and religious rituals. The use of pitchers indicates a generous offering, suggesting abundance. This act serves as a test of obedience and faithfulness to the Rechabites' ancestral commands. The setting of wine before them is symbolic, representing the temptations and challenges faced by believers in maintaining their commitments to God.

and some cups before the men of the house of the Rechabites
The Rechabites were a nomadic clan descended from Jonadab, son of Rechab. They were known for their strict adherence to a lifestyle of abstinence from wine, living in tents, and not engaging in agriculture, as commanded by their ancestor Jonadab (2 Kings 10:15-23). The mention of "cups" emphasizes the personal choice each individual must make when faced with temptation. The Rechabites' presence in Jerusalem during this time of testing highlights their faithfulness amidst a society that had largely turned away from God's commands.

and I said to them, “Drink some wine.”
Jeremiah's command to the Rechabites to drink wine serves as a direct challenge to their commitment to their ancestral vow. This test is not meant to lead them into sin but to demonstrate their steadfastness and integrity. The Rechabites' refusal to drink the wine, as seen in the following verses, becomes a powerful testimony against the people of Judah, who had failed to obey God's commands. This scenario foreshadows the testing of Jesus Christ in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), where He too was presented with temptations but remained faithful to His Father's will. The Rechabites' obedience serves as a model for believers, illustrating the importance of faithfulness and the strength found in adhering to God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his unwavering commitment to God's word despite opposition.

2. Rechabites
A nomadic clan descended from Rechab, known for their strict adherence to the commands of their ancestor Jonadab, including abstaining from wine.

3. Jonadab son of Rechab
Ancestor of the Rechabites who commanded his descendants to live a life of simplicity and abstinence from wine.

4. House of the Rechabites
Represents a group of people who lived according to the commands of their forefather, serving as a living example of obedience.

5. Jerusalem
The city where this event takes place, serving as the backdrop for Jeremiah's prophetic ministry and the testing of the Rechabites.

Teaching Points

Obedience to Ancestral Commands
The Rechabites' adherence to Jonadab's commands serves as a model of faithfulness and respect for godly traditions.

Living as a Testimony
The Rechabites' lifestyle was a testimony to the people of Judah, demonstrating the power of living according to God's principles.

Resisting Cultural Pressure
The Rechabites' refusal to drink wine, even when offered by a prophet, illustrates the importance of standing firm in one's convictions despite societal pressures.

God's Use of Examples
God uses the Rechabites as an example to teach Judah about obedience, showing that our lives can serve as lessons for others.

Faithfulness in Small Things
The Rechabites' commitment to a seemingly small command (abstaining from wine) underscores the significance of faithfulness in all areas of life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the example of the Rechabites challenge us to evaluate our own obedience to God's commands?

2. In what ways can we resist cultural pressures that conflict with our Christian values, as the Rechabites did?

3. How can the Rechabites' commitment to their ancestor's commands inspire us to uphold godly traditions in our families?

4. What are some "small" areas in our lives where we can demonstrate faithfulness to God, similar to the Rechabites' abstinence from wine?

5. How can our lives serve as a testimony to others about the importance of living according to God's principles?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 6
The Nazirite vow, which includes abstaining from wine, parallels the Rechabites' commitment to abstinence, highlighting themes of dedication and separation for God's purposes.

1 Samuel 15
The obedience of the Rechabites contrasts with King Saul's disobedience, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands fully.

Romans 12:2
The Rechabites' lifestyle reflects the call to not conform to the patterns of the world but to be transformed by renewing one's mind.