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Obedience of the Rechabites. Jeremiah 35. Background to Jeremiah 35. It is the time of the Babylonian Captivity, c. 605 – 598 B.C. (vv.1,11; 2 K. 24:1-2) The Rechabites were descendants of the Kenites, who were descendants of Moses’ father-in-law (1 Chron. 2:55; Judges 1:16; 4:11)
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Obedienceof the Rechabites Jeremiah 35
Background to Jeremiah 35 • It is the time of the Babylonian Captivity, c. 605 – 598 B.C. (vv.1,11; 2 K. 24:1-2) • The Rechabites were descendants of the Kenites, who were descendants of Moses’ father-in-law (1 Chron. 2:55; Judges 1:16; 4:11) • The Rechabites’ loyalty is tested (vv.2-11)
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)
Lessons in Obedience The Rechabites were obedient… • To an ancient command given about 240 years before (vv.6,14; 2 K. 10:15,23) - God’s commands are ancient but they are still God’s word and must be obeyed (2 Tim. 1:13; 3:16-17) • In spite of their cultural circumstances - God’s commands must be obeyed in any culture and at any time (Dan. 1, 3, 6)
Lessons in Obedience The Rechabites were obedient… • With temperance in the face of temptation (v.5) - God’s commands must be obeyed in the face of any temptation (Jas. 4:7-8)
Lessons in Obedience The Rechabites were obedient… • Because they respected a personal, plain and prohibitive command - God’s commands must be respected; they are not optional (1 Thess. 2:13) • Because they were committed to all of the command; all of their life; for all of their family (v.8) - God’s commands are for all (Mt. 28:18-20)
Lessons in Obedience The Rechabites were obedient… • To their father (vv.6,8,18) - God’s commands and parental commands must be obeyed (Eph. 6:1; Col. 3:20) • And were rewarded for their obedience (vv.18-19) - God’s commands carry rewards and punishments (Lk. 12:41-48; Gal. 6:7-8)
Obedience of the Rechabites • Disloyal Judah did not learn from the example of the loyal Rechabites • Will you learn from their example?