Obedience of the Rechabites

1
Obedienceof the Rechabites

• Jeremiah 35

2
Background to Jeremiah 35

• It is the time of the Babylonian Captivity, c.
  605 598 B.C. (vv.1,11 2 K. 241-2)
• The Rechabites were descendants of the Kenites,
  who were descendants of Moses father-in-law (1
  Chron. 255 Judges 116 411)
• The Rechabites loyalty is tested (vv.2-11)

3
Background to Jeremiah 35

• The Rechabites loyalty is set forth as an
  example to disloyal Judah (vv. 12-17)
• Disloyal Judah will be punished, but the loyal
  Rechabites will be rewarded (vv.
  18-19)

4
Lessons in Obedience

• The Rechabites were obedient
• To an ancient command given about 240 years
  before (vv.6,14 2 K. 1015,23)
• - Gods commands are ancient but they are still
  Gods word and must be obeyed (2 Tim.
  113 316-17)
• In spite of their cultural circumstances
• - Gods commands must be obeyed in any culture
  and at any time (Dan. 1, 3, 6)

5
Lessons in Obedience

• The Rechabites were obedient
• With temperance in the face of temptation (v.5)
• - Gods commands must be obeyed in the face of
  any temptation (Jas. 47-8)

6
Lessons in Obedience

• The Rechabites were obedient
• Because they respected a personal, plain and
  prohibitive command
• - Gods commands must be respected they are not
  optional (1 Thess. 213)
• Because they were committed to all of the
  command all of their life for all of their
  family (v.8)
• - Gods commands are for all (Mt. 2818-20)

7
Lessons in Obedience

• The Rechabites were obedient
• To their father (vv.6,8,18)
• - Gods commands and parental commands must be
  obeyed (Eph. 61 Col. 320)
• And were rewarded for their obedience (vv.18-19)
• - Gods commands carry rewards and punishments
  (Lk. 1241-48 Gal. 67-8)

8
Obedience of the Rechabites

• Disloyal Judah did not learn from the example of
  the loyal Rechabites
• Will you learn from their example?