Introduction, v. 1
A. During the invasion of Chaldean and Aramean armies against Jehoiakim (2 Kings 24:2-4), Jehovah sends Jeremiah to the house of the Rechabites.
B. The Rechabites were descendants of Jethro the Kenite (1 Chronicles 2:55).
1. The father of the Rechabites was Jonadab who led the purge of the House of Ahab (2 Kings 10:15-28).
2. They were nomads who rejected corruptions of city life.
3. They rejected idolatry and wine.
Jeremiah’s Mission, v. 2
A. Bring the Rechabites to the Temple in Jerusalem.
B. Offer the Rechabites wine to drink.
The Rechabites’ Refussal, vv. 3-11
A. Jonadab’s command
1. Drink no wine
2. Build no house
3. Plant no vineyards
4. Live as nomads
B. The Rechabites’ Obedience to their ancestor’s command.
C. The only exception was living in Jerusalem during the Babylonian invasion for safety.
Jehovah’s Object Lesson, vv. 12-19
A. The Rechabites’ obey their father.
B. Jehovah is your father, but you have not obeyed My commands.
C. Jehovah’s judgment:
1. Judah will experience the evil of Babylonian captivity.
2. The Rechabites will survive.