Rechabites
Summary
The Rechabites were a nomadic Kenite clan who faithfully kept their ancestor Jehonadab's vow to abstain from wine and live in tents, becoming a model of obedience in contrast to disobedient Judah.
☩Origin and Vow
The Rechabites descended from the Kenites, the tribe of Moses' father-in-law, who joined Israel during the wilderness wanderings. Jehonadab (or Jonadab), son of Rechab, established strict rules for his descendants: they were to drink no wine, plant no vineyards, sow no seed, build no houses, but live in tents all their days. This nomadic, ascetic lifestyle set them apart from settled Israelite society and expressed their devotion to the wilderness ideals of Israel's early relationship with God.
☩Jehonadab and Jehu
Jehonadab was a zealous worshipper of Yahweh who partnered with King Jehu in destroying Baal worship in Israel. When Jehu was executing judgment on Ahab's house, he encountered Jehonadab and invited him to witness his 'zeal for the LORD.' Jehonadab joined Jehu in his chariot and participated in the destruction of Baal's temple and priests, demonstrating the Rechabite commitment to pure worship of Yahweh.
☩Jeremiah's Object Lesson
During Nebuchadnezzar's invasion, the Rechabites took temporary refuge in Jerusalem. God commanded Jeremiah to bring them to the temple and offer them wine. When they refused, citing their ancestor's command, Jeremiah proclaimed God's lesson: these men faithfully obeyed their earthly father's commands for centuries, but Judah repeatedly disobeyed the heavenly Father. Because of their faithfulness, God promised, 'Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me forever.'
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Rechabites," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Rechab; Rechabites," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Philip Schaff and Johann Herzog (ed.), "Rechabites," in The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, vol. IX (Funk and Wagnalls, 1908–1914).