‏ Jeremiah 35

* The obedience of the Rechabites. (1-11) The Jews' disobedience

to the Lord. (12-19)

1-11 Jonadab was famous for wisdom and piety. He lived nearly

300 years before, #2Ki 10:15|. Jonadab charged his posterity not

to drink wine. He also appointed them to dwell in tents, or

movable dwelling: this would teach them not to think of settling

any where in this world. To keep low, would be the way to

continue long in the land where they were strangers. Humility

and contentment are always the best policy, and men's surest

protection. Also, that they might not run into unlawful

pleasures, they were to deny themselves even lawful delights.

The consideration that we are strangers and pilgrims should

oblige us to abstain from all fleshly lusts. Let them have

little to lose, and then losing times would be the less

dreadful: let them sit loose to what they had, and then they

might with less pain be stript of it. Those are in the best

frame to meet sufferings who live a life of self-denial, and who

despise the vanities of the world. Jonadab's posterity observed

these rules strictly, only using proper means for their safety

in a time of general suffering. 12-19 The trial of the Rechabites' constancy was for a sign; it

made the disobedience of the Jews to God the more marked. The

Rechabites were obedient to one who was but a man like

themselves, and Jonadab never did for his seed what God has done

for his people. Mercy is promised to the Rechabites. We are not

told respecting the performance of this promise; but doubtless

it was performed, and travellers say the Rechabites may be found

a separate people to this day. Let us follow the counsels of our

pious forefathers, and we shall find good in so doing.