Jeremiah 35:14
The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father's commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me.
Jeremiah 35:14 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse, found in Jeremiah 35:14, illustrates the contrast between the obedience of Jonadab the son of Rechab's sons and the disobedience of the people of Judah to God's commands. The Rechabites were commanded by Jonadab not to drink wine, and they faithfully obeyed this command for many generations. Despite God's repeated attempts to communicate His will to the people of Judah through the prophets, they continued to ignore His instructions. The verse serves as a powerful example of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. It highlights the faithfulness of the Rechabites to their father's command compared to the disobedience of the people of Judah to God's commandments. It serves as a reminder to readers to heed God's word and to follow His commands diligently.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see the contrast between the obedience of the sons of Rechab to their father's command not to drink wine, and the disobedience of the people of Judah to God's commands. The obedience of Jonadab's sons serves as an example of how following the instructions of a father figure can lead to blessings and preservation of traditions over generations. The word "performed" here denotes the fulfillment of Jonadab's words, emphasizing the faithfulness of his sons in carrying out their father's wishes. It also highlights the contrast between their obedience and the lack of response from the people of Judah to God's warnings given through the prophets, despite God's repeated attempts to get their attention. This serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding divine instructions and the consequences of failing to do so.
Jeremiah 35:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons, not to drink wine, are performed; and unto this day they drink none, for they obey their father's commandment: but I have spoken unto you, rising up early and speaking; and ye have not hearkened unto me.
World English Bible
The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons, not to drink wine, are performed; and to this day they drink none, for they obey their father’s commandment: but I have spoken to you, rising up early and speaking; and you have not listened to me.
Douay-Rheims
The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, by which he commanded his sons not to drink wine, have prevailed: and they have drunk none to this day, because they have obeyed the commandment of their father: but I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, and you have not obeyed me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The commandement of Ionadab the sonne of Rechab that hee commanded his sonnes, that they should drinke no wine, is surely kept: for vnto this day they drinke none, but obey their fathers commandement: notwithstanding I haue spoken vnto you, rising earely, and speaking, but ye would not obey me.