OBEDIENCE
JEREMIAH 35
Contrary to the broken covenant of Zedekiah’s time that was just described, the
Rechabites obediently followed a somewhat obscure directive of their ancestor to abstain
from alcohol. They show Judah how to obey by serving as an example. Judah, however, has
not obediently served God like the Rechabites did for their forefather. God must thus
chastise Judah. But because of their obedience, the Rechabites will always have a
representative to appear before God. Jeremiah 35 depicts a group of people who, in a
sense, paid attention to details. This sect, known as the Rechabites, had complied with their
ancestor’s order in what could seem like a trivial or needless matter to some. But because
they followed that order, God is holding them up as an example for all of Judah to follow.
God calls Judah to obedience by using the example of the Rechabites. The Rechabites are
used as an example of what happens when you submit to God’s authority, and he also
makes a blessing promise to them.
Who were the Rechabites?
So let’s talk about who these individuals are. They are called Rechabites. They are
named after a Rechab, who was one of their forefathers, it turns out. However, we have no
information regarding this man. However, we’ll learn about another ancestor of these people
later on in this chapter. Jonadab is his name. He is also Rechab’s son. Now, we do have
some knowledge of a man by the name of Jehonadab, who is reported to have been
Rechab’s child back in 2 Kings 10. This man was a close friend of Jehu, the king of Northern
Israel. Recall him? He was responsible for eliminating Baal worship in Northern Israel.
Jehu encountered this Jehonadab, son of Rechab, while his route to kill Baal
worshipers. And it seems that Jehonadab assisted Jehu in destroying the idolaters. Jehu
ruled from 841 to 814 BC. The king in charge in this chapter of Jeremiah was Jehoiakim,
who ruled from 608 to 598 BC. Therefore, there is a temporal gap of at least 200 years
between Jehonadab’s reign and the events of this chapter of Jeremiah. Remember that for
later.
We now know where Jeremiah brought the ancestors of Rechab, who lived some
200 years earlier than them. The precise location of where he brought them is described in
great detail by Jeremiah. So normally it would lead me to believe that this information is
significant or essential in some way. However, the only thing I can infer from those specifics
is the general area of the room where he brought them. Maybe that’s all Jeremiah wants us
to understand. In the Temple they are. To accommodate Temple employees and their tools,
one of these rooms was constructed outside the Temple. They appear to be in one of these
rooms’ second stories or levels. in the study of a prophet named Hanan’s followers.
Jeremiah then provides these men wine. Jeremiah (perhaps) seated at one end of the table,
the Rechabites at the other. How many of them are in this room is unknown to me.
Depending on how many there were, perhaps some of them stood outside the space.
They’re in the room with Jeremiah and these pitchers of wine and glasses that would let
them drink it, so whatever. Jeremiah is not inviting them to get wasted, to reiterate. He is not
directing people to act unethically or to always make the right decision. Jeremiah is likely
providing them wine-laced water that is mild enough to taste the drink while still being potent
enough to eradicate microorganisms. From what we now know, their choice is actually fairly
meaningless. Because of this, verses 6–11 are particularly beneficial. Here, we see how this
group responds and learn more about the reasons why God told Jeremiah to give them
wine. Consequently, they avoid drinking wine. due to a distant relative’s order, possibly 200
years ago. The Rechabites had never seen this ancestor, Jonadab or Jehonadab, if he is the
same person from 2 Kings 10; none of them were still alive. They had never actually heard
his voice. They recently received a directive not to consume wine from him in the distant
past. They simply avoided drinking wine as a result. However, they did not simply refrain
from that due to their ancestor’s order. Verse 7 reveals additional limitations imposed on
them by this man.
These people reject Jeremiah’s offer of wine because of the rules they have been
subjected to, as we have seen. And by declining that offer, they were following an old
Jonadab order. They continue to attest to their compliance with Jonadab’s orders in every
area in which he gave them instructions. They would have been unable to properly execute
Jonadab’s order to live a nomadic lifestyle if they had been driven into Jerusalem. And they
understood that. But they followed orders wherever they could while still preserving their
lives. As a result, living in Jerusalem for safety meant giving up tent camping. They most
likely resided in homes. They might have had vineyards. I’m not sure. Thus, they were in a
sense coerced to disobey. But they were still resolutely trying to follow Jonadab’s original
instructions to them where they could, particularly on the issue of not drinking alcohol.
God notices this contrast as well. On the one hand, he observes the disarray and
pervasive disobedience of the Judahite population. On the other hand, he observes the
Rechabites’ tenacious efforts to follow their ancestor.By the way, I don’t necessarily believe
that this proves that every Rechabite was a truly upright person. Everyone has
acquaintances that follow some strange custom that was handed down in their family. That
may not be the same as adhering to the laws and customs that have been passed down to
us directly from the Lord. God compares Judah’s disobedience to himself to the Rechabites’
obedience to Jonadab. However, it wasn’t only that the people didn’t listen to God.
Additionally, they disregarded the prophets he sent to them. As we have frequently heard
throughout this book, such disobedience had to be punished.
There will always be a Rechabite to serve the Lord, according to God’s promise. One
of those promises for which there is nothing else in the Bible that would allow us to confirm
its fulfillment. However, God foretold it would occur, and we have reason to think that it has.
APPLICATION/CONCLUSION
We can see that God values submission. Even if that obedience is to a mysterious
order issued by a long-gone authority figure. He enjoys submission to himself and his word,
though, much more. We also observe that God abhors disobedience. The Lord is frequently
moved to chastise, and especially when that disobedience manifests itself in the worship of
idols. But the punishment is frequently postponed for a long time. The ultimate sentence in
this chapter wouldn’t be meted out for another ten years. Because God gave people a lot of
time to repent, this chapter also demonstrates God’s patience. Because it is ultimately what
he want. It is His desire that everyone submit to His authority. And when they do, he
frequently decides to bless them.
JEREMIAH 36
God ultimately brings the Babylonian wrath to bear on Judah after all the promises
and cautions that he has previously made and delivered. The burning of God’s word by
Jehoiakim opens this chapter. We’ll look at that shortly. The part goes on to show King
Zedekiah’s waning. A brief flashback concerning a man named Ebed-Melech follows. Then
there is the story of the Jewish survivors of the Babylonian onslaught and the subsequent
disaster. And those rebellious individuals ultimately travel to Egypt, where God has a
message for them. Another flashback, this one focusing on Baruch, Jeremiah’s personal
servant, occurs as the section comes to a close. And Jeremiah 45, with only five verses, is
the book of Jeremiah’s smallest chapter. Following that, six chapters (46-51) are devoted to
discussing the various countries in the world. We see God speaking through Jeremiah
concerning 8 nations because, as you may recall, when God gave Jeremiah his commission,
he said that he would be a “prophet to the nations.” He predicts that each of these countries
will succumb to Babylon. Finally, Jeremiah is given the honor of predicting Babylon’s
destruction.
The events described in verses 1 through 8 all take place in Jehoiakim’s fourth year.
It was 605 or 4 BC. Around this period, or possibly a little earlier, Babylon invaded
Jerusalem, attacked, and took hostages many people, including the prophet Daniel. But
Nebuchadnezzar gave Jehoiakim permission to rule over Judah indefinitely. It appears that
there was a slight transfer of influence from Egypt to Babylon. Up until this point in world
history, Egypt had been the dominant force in the region. Then Babylon arrived, vanquished
Egypt, and seized possession of Judah. So, this is the time period that Jeremiah 36 is set in.
Actually, Jerusalem was conquered and exiled to Babylon around 15 years earlier. Here is
what God wants. Is punishing his people his sole goal? No. He admits that his deepest want
is for them to turn around. Why? in order for him to pardon them. In this aspect, God has not
changed at all. He continues to demand conversion. And God will pardon a person when
they turn from their sin and turn to the God they were before rejecting. And, as we learn from
the New Testament, all of this is possible because Jesus paid the price for all of those sins.
And anybody who desires peace with God must turn to God in repentance. There isn’t any
other choice in the Old or New Testaments. With the Lord, repentance is a prerequisite at all
times. However, we are aware that God is aware of the beginning and the end. He’s got
ideas. He warned them of the impending arrival of a northern army under the reign of Josiah.
He admits in the books of Kings that because of all the immorality of that king, Manasseh,
who reigned before Josiah, he was resolved to destroy Judah. God is the only one who can
predict when the Time of the Gentiles will run its course and when this period will come to an
end. He has complete power.
In situations like this, I believe it is preferable to treat the two truths as
complementary rather than as adversarial or incompatible. In our human thoughts, it might
not add up in a nice and orderly fashion. But are we able to admit our limitations in terms of
our comprehension of God? Can we accept that all that we know is what God reveals to us?
Beyond that, our propensity for inventing unusual doctrines grows enormously. I believe it is
best to consider both truths at once.
So Jehoiakim is free to lash out at the Lord and his message as much as he likes.
But ultimately, God’s word is unassailable.
And in our setting, that is still true today. There are powerful individuals in this country who
reject God’s word. They jeer. They oppress. They make an effort to shape everyone into
their godless template. They believe they are triumphant. And they might succeed in this life.
However, the authority of God’s word remains. It always will. No matter how furiously
someone protests it, it still exists. It will undoubtedly hold.
How, however, should we react to these facts? Read the Bible. I want to encourage
everyone to read the Bible every day. It requires commitment and is not always simple.
Then, without feeling ashamed, we must stand on God’s word. Don’t be embarrassed
by the Lord’s testimony or the messengers of his message. Please don’t worry. Do not be
alarmed by this world. God’s word will undoubtedly endure eternally. On it, you may rely.
JEREMIAH 37
While the conflict raged all around him, Jeremiah had a place to stay and food to eat.
Eventually, Babylon would lay siege to Jerusalem once more. The last time we saw
Jehoiakim try to limit God’s written word was in Jeremiah 36. In this chapter, Zedekiah
makes an effort to impose limitations on God’s verbal pronouncements. All of God’s
prophecies throughout this book are also coming to pass.And maybe most unusually,
Zedekiah is seen vacillating back and forth. He initially asks Jeremiah to intercede for them
as if he were a devout man concerned about God’s will. Then he agrees to Jeremiah’s
detention, which could have easily led to the prophet’s demise. Zedekiah then returns to
Jeremiah and requests another message from God. He doesn’t provide repentance in
response to that word. But at least he treats Jeremiah decently in the end. However, it is
important to recognize that showing kindness to God’s followers and representatives doesn’t
truly benefit a person much in the hereafter. God does not need lost sinners to show
kindness to his people. He desires the conversion of lost souls.
And although they might not be directly hostile to us, you and I both likely have a few
lost souls in our lives. They may have asked you about the Lord a few times. They may have
expressed an interest in spiritual matters. However, interest alone does not move the Lord;
repentance is required. The Lord is no more likely to accept this kind of individual than he is
to accept a man who is wholly hostile to him and his followers. So Zedekiah was the kind of
man he claimed to be. Ultimately disobedient and disinterested despite initial interest. A man
with two minds who lacked stability in all his actions. And, Lord willing, we’ll learn more about
him the following time.
JEREMIAH 38
Verse 1 through 13 make up the first chapter. In that passage, Jeremiah will be
shown narrowly escaping death at the hands of the wicked Jewish leaders. Additionally,
Jeremiah’s unlikely savior will be revealed. He is a kind guy. Verse 14 through verse 28
comprise this chapter’s second portion. There, Jeremiah and King Zedekiah have a very
intimate conversation. And based on that dialogue, it appears that Zedekiah has a possibility
of changing his mind. Unfortunately, he falls short of the genuine repentance that God was
seeking. In verses 1-3, we find the Judah officials hearing Jeremiah’s typical warning of
judgment, along with the implication that people in Jerusalem will survive if they surrender to
Babylon. Even though they are less than two years from ultimate annihilation, if they submit
to God’s authority, they will live. Now, these officials acknowledged that Jerusalem had
already been severely damaged. There aren’t many of “the men of battle that remain in this
city,” as they say. And God’s word is disheartening the ones that are still alive. However, God
intended for what these men see as demoralization to be humble.
a. The lords of Judah recorded in Jeremiah 38:1 pleaded with King Zedekiah to put Jeremiah
to death because his message was detrimental to the spirits of those defending Jerusalem.
i. He weakens the resolve of the soldiers: “A similar phrase appears in the Lachish Letter VI,
where the military commander spoke to some elements among the Jerusalem officials.”
ii. The remaining soldiers: “It appears that Judah lost a few honorable soldiers. Defending
the city walls undoubtedly resulted in the deaths of some. Others were sneaking out at night
in groups of one or two and crossing over to the Babylonians to surrender.
b. This was the exact opposite of the truth—this man wants to hurt these people, not help
them. Jeremiah disliked preaching his message of doom and destruction, but he realized
that by doing so, he was giving the people of Judah their only hope of surviving the threat
posed by the Babylonians.
i. God’s servants are occasionally accused of the complete opposite of what is true. Despite
being accused of pride, Moses was a very humble man (Numbers 12:3). (Numbers 16:3).
Job was a righteous man (Job 1:1), yet his associates accused him of serious transgression
(Job 4:7-8, 8:20, 11:14-17). Jesus, the pure Son of God, was charged with possession by
demons (John 7:20, 8:48, 8:52).
ii. “Ahab charged the same offense against Elijah, the Jews against Christ and later against
Paul, the heathen persecutors against the early Christians, and the heretics against the
orthodox, that they were seditious, antimonarchical, etc” (Trapp)
c. Look, he is in your hand: Zedekiah lacked the fortitude to oppose the princes of Judah and
permitted them to treat Jeremiah whatever they saw fit. Jeremiah became mired in the muck
when they dropped him into the pit, which resembled a dungeon.
i. He was undoubtedly a puppet king, installed by Nebuchadnezzar following Jehoiachin’s
exile, and it’s possible that not everyone in the country recognized him as the legitimate ruler
ii. “Oh, poor prince! You revere the prophet, dread the cabal, and sacrifice an innocent
person to your own frailty and their nefarious intentions. “
iii. Zedekiah is yet another example of the bad that can emanate from a weak character and
the bad that can befall it. Although he had noble intentions, he was unable to stand up to the
terrible men around him
iv. “It appears that his will has been immobilized by the princes’ intimidation. He was a
monarch without a backbone and with a wishbone instead
v. “Up until Pilate washed his hands in front of the crowd, the king’s capitulation to his
princes (Jeremiah 38:5) was probably the most heinous surrender in biblical history”
vi. Zedekiah appears to have graduated from the same political university that Pontius Pilate
later attended
vii. If we judge him, we might be judging ourselves because his vulnerability might not have
come to light if he hadn’t been forced into a role that was much beyond of his comfort zone
d. The princes evidently intended to kill Jeremiah when they used ropes to lower him
(Please, let this man be put to death). However, they acted in the most hypocritical way
possible by refusing to accept the blame for spilling his blood. They therefore carefully
lowered the prophet down with ropes into the dungeon where he would die a slow death
from famine, exposure, or disease – technically without blood being shed – rather than
pushing him into the dungeon and letting him fall, which would probably open a wound and
cause blood to be shed.
i. Undoubtedly a cistern, this prison in the home of Malchiah contained only mud-like muck
and no water. “Most homes in Jerusalem had individual cisterns for storing water that was
gathered from a spring or during a rainy day (cf. 2 Kings 18:31; Proverbs 5:15). In order to
prevent mishaps or water contamination, they were typically pear-shaped with a small
aperture at the top that could be covered (Harrison)
ii. “The officials’ ultimate goal was to ensure Jeremiah’s death without a fight” (cf. Genesis
37:18-19). He might very well pass away in a cistern slowly and painfully without losing any
blood
iii. Instead of killing Jeremiah violently, the princes “threw him into an abandoned water
cistern without ceremony, with the evident goal of putting him to die either by exposure or
starvation”