Recab is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily known for his association with the Kenites and his role in the narrative of King David's rise to power. He is most notably recognized as the father of Rechabites, a clan that maintained a distinct lifestyle and religious devotion.

Genealogy and Background

Recab was a Kenite, a group of people who lived among the Israelites and were known for their metalworking skills. The Kenites had a longstanding relationship with the Israelites, dating back to the time of Moses, whose father-in-law, Jethro, was a Kenite (Judges 1:16). Recab's lineage is significant as it connects to the Rechabites, a group that adhered to strict religious and social codes.

Role in the Narrative of Ish-Bosheth

Recab, along with his brother Baanah, is prominently featured in the account of Ish-Bosheth, the son of Saul and a rival to David for the throne of Israel. In 2 Samuel 4, Recab and Baanah, who were captains of raiding bands under Ish-Bosheth, assassinated him while he was resting in his house. They beheaded Ish-Bosheth and brought his head to David, expecting a reward for eliminating David's rival.

However, David's response was not what they anticipated. Instead of rewarding them, David condemned their actions, stating, "As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, when someone told me, 'Look, Saul is dead,' and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news!" (2 Samuel 4:9-10). David ordered the execution of Recab and Baanah for their treachery, emphasizing his commitment to justice and the sanctity of the anointed king.

The Rechabites

Recab's legacy is further extended through the Rechabites, a group descended from him, who are noted for their faithfulness and adherence to the commands of their ancestor Jonadab, son of Recab. The Rechabites are highlighted in Jeremiah 35, where they are commended for their obedience to Jonadab's command to abstain from wine, live in tents, and avoid settling in permanent dwellings. This lifestyle was intended to preserve their distinct identity and devotion to God.

The LORD used the Rechabites as an example to the people of Judah, contrasting their obedience with the disobedience of the Israelites. "The words of Jonadab son of Rechab have been carried out; he commanded his descendants not to drink wine, and to this day they have not drunk any, because they obeyed their forefather’s command. But I have spoken to you again and again, yet you have not obeyed Me" (Jeremiah 35:14).

Significance

Recab's account and the legacy of the Rechabites serve as a testament to the themes of loyalty, obedience, and the consequences of actions. Recab's involvement in the political intrigue of David's time highlights the complexities of leadership and the divine mandate of justice. The Rechabites, on the other hand, exemplify steadfastness in faith and the importance of adhering to godly principles, serving as a model for the Israelites and future generations.Recab (12 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 4:2
And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands; the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin; for Beeroth also is reckoned to Benjamin;
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2 Samuel 4:6
And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him in the groin; and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.
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2 Samuel 4:9
And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them: 'As the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity,
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2 Kings 10:15
And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him; and he saluted him, and said to him: 'Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thy heart?' And Jehonadab answered: 'It is.' 'If it be, said Jehu, give me thy hand.' And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.
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2 Kings 10:23
And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal; and he said unto the worshippers of Baal: 'Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only.'
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1 Chronicles 2:55
And the families of scribes that dwelt at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. These are the Kenites that came of Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab.
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Nehemiah 3:14
And the dung gate repaired Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler of the district of Beth-cherem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the bolts thereof, and the bars thereof.
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Jeremiah 35:6
And they say, 'We do not drink wine: for Jonadab son of Rechab, our father, charged us, saying, Ye do not drink wine, ye and your sons -- unto the age;
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Jeremiah 35:8
And we hearken to the voice of Jonadab son of Rechab, our father, to all that he commanded us, not to drink wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, and our daughters;
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Jeremiah 35:14
Performed have been the words of Jonadab son of Rechab, when he commanded his sons not to drink wine, and they have not drunk unto this day, for they have obeyed the command of their father; and I -- I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking, and ye have not hearkened unto Me.
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Jeremiah 35:16
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,
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Jeremiah 35:19
therefore, thus said Jehovah of Hosts, God of Israel, Of Jonadab son of Rechab one standing before me is not cut off all the days.'
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Recab (12 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Recab (12 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 4:2 And Saul's
son had two men that were captains of bands; the name of ...
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Rebuking (9 Occurrences)

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Recabite (1 Occurrence)

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Who were the Rechabites in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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