August 17

Jeremiah 35-37 (biblegateway.com)

Faithful Witness and the Danger of Disobedience

Jeremiah 35–37 contrasts faithfulness with stubborn disobedience while highlighting the context of Jerusalem under siege. Chapter 35 presents the Rechabites, a family who faithfully obeyed their ancestor’s command to abstain from wine, serving as a living example of steadfast obedience. God uses their fidelity to rebuke Judah, who consistently rejects His commands. Chapters 36-37 focus on Jeremiah’s courageous efforts to speak God’s word despite persecution. He dictates a scroll warning of Judah’s impending destruction, which King Jehoiakim burns, yet God ensures His message endures. Jeremiah is imprisoned for prophesying against Jerusalem’s leaders, demonstrating the risks of confronting sin, but also God’s unwavering commitment to communicate His truth.

Jeremiah 35 – The Rechabites: A Model of Obedience Amid Judah’s Disobedience

Jeremiah 35, delivered during the reign of Jehoiakim (609-598 B.C.), presents a striking contrast between faithfulness and unfaithfulness. These events, which are not sequential to chapter 34, occurred in 587 B.C., at least 11 years (and possibly 20 years) earlier than the prophecies in chapter 34. Placed here, this chapter highlights the Recabites, a nomadic clan descended from Jonadab (or Jehonadab), son of Recab, who rejected a settled life in favor of wandering in obedience to their ancestor’s command. For over two centuries, they abstained from wine, cultivated crops, or built permanent homes, maintaining a disciplined commitment to their family’s vow.

Jeremiah 35 narrates a divinely inspired lesson in obedience and faithfulness through the Rechabites. God commands Jeremiah to bring the Rechabites into the temple to offer them wine, testing whether they will obey the ancestral command to abstain from wine and maintain their itinerant lifestyle (v. 1-2). This command is significant because it sets up a living contrast between the Rechabites’ adherence to a human covenant and Judah’s persistent rejection of God’s covenant.

When Jeremiah presents the wine to the Rechabites, they consistently refuse, citing the instructions of their ancestor Jonadab, who had commanded them not to drink wine, build houses, sow seed, or plant vineyards, but to live in tents as nomads (v. 3-10). Their obedience is unwavering; they follow the commands precisely, demonstrating a remarkable fidelity that surpasses that of Israel, who had repeatedly ignored God’s laws despite clear covenantal instructions.

God uses this event to make a pointed declaration to Judah. He contrasts the Rechabites’ loyalty to their human covenant with Judah’s failure to honor His divine covenant (v. 11-15). The people of Judah have consistently forsaken God’s commands, worshiped idols, and acted contrary to His covenant promises, yet they have not heeded the warnings of His prophets. By highlighting the Rechabites’ obedience, God underscores how His people are called to faithfulness not only to Him but to the standards of righteousness He has revealed.

As a reward for their obedience, God promises that the Rechabite family line will continue to be honored and preserved (v. 18-19). This demonstrates that God observes and blesses fidelity, even in those outside the covenant community, and that obedience to authority and moral principle is recognized as commendable in His sight. At the same time, Judah’s disobedience serves as a warning: persistent rebellion leads to judgment, whereas faithful adherence to God’s commands brings stability and blessing.

Jeremiah 35 emphasizes several key truths. First, God values obedience and faithfulness, even when demonstrated by those outside the immediate covenant community. Second, disobedience, especially of those who have received revelation, brings inevitable judgment. Third, God uses real-life examples to teach spiritual lessons, showing that He is concerned with integrity, consistency, and the alignment of actions with promises or covenants.

For contemporary readers, the chapter challenges believers to examine the degree of obedience in their lives, especially in small matters of principle and daily conduct. It prompts reflection on whether one honors God consistently, as the Rechabites honored their ancestor’s commands, or whether one follows a pattern of selective obedience. Additionally, it encourages the cultivation of faithfulness and integrity in relationships, responsibilities, and spiritual commitments, reminding us that God notices and rewards steadfastness. The Rechabites serve as an enduring example: God honors obedience, even when it seems minor or humanly instituted, and contrasts it with the serious consequences of ignoring His revealed will.

Jeremiah 36 – God’s Word Preserved Amid Opposition

Jeremiah 36 begins in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim’s reign (605-604 B.C.), shortly after Nebuchadnezzar’s decisive victory over Egypt at Carchemish. This was a pivotal moment in Judah’s history, occurring just before the nation became a Babylonian vassal and before the first wave of captives was taken (2 Kings 24:1). Placed chronologically before the events of chapters 34 and 35, this chapter sets the stage for God’s urgent message through Jeremiah, as the prophet records the king’s stubborn resistance to divine warning and the unfolding consequences for Judah.

God commands Jeremiah to write all the words He has spoken concerning Israel, Judah, and the nations on a scroll (v. 1-2). This instruction comes at a time of growing instability and the looming threat of Babylonian invasion. God emphasizes that the message must be preserved and delivered to the people: “It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the disaster that I intend to do to them, so that everyone may turn from his evil way, and that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin” (v. 3).

Jeremiah obeys, dictating the scroll to his scribe, Baruch, who writes the prophecies of judgment, including the consequences of idolatry, social injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness (v. 4-6). Once completed, Baruch reads the scroll to the people at the temple during a fast, providing a public witness to God’s warnings (v. 6-10). The content of the scroll confronts Judah with its persistent rebellion, similar to the contrast seen in Jeremiah 35 with the faithful Rechabites. The public reading exposes the people to God’s call for repentance, yet many remain unresponsive, illustrating the depth of their spiritual hardening.

After hearing all the words of the Lord from the scroll, Micaiah went to the king’s officials and reported them. Baruch then read the scroll aloud to the officials, who were struck with fear at its message. They asked Baruch how he had written it and confirmed it was dictated by Jeremiah. Fearing the king’s reaction, the officials instructed Baruch to hide himself and Jeremiah so that no one would know their whereabouts (v. 11-19).

The officials brought the scroll to King Jehoiakim, and Jehudi read it aloud before him and his court. As he read, the king cut the scroll into pieces and burned it in the fire, showing no fear or remorse despite the warnings. Even when his advisors urged him to stop, he refused, demonstrating human pride and resistance to God’s word. This deliberate destruction revealed both personal arrogance and the rejection of divine authority, echoing earlier warnings in Jeremiah 25 and 27 about the dangers of ignoring God’s commands. He then ordered the arrest of Baruch and Jeremiah, but God protected them, hiding them from the king (v. 21–26).

Despite this act, the word of God proves indestructible. Jeremiah dictates a second scroll, adding further words of warning, including that Jehoiakim’s dynasty will face judgment for his defiance (v. 27-32). This emphasizes that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted by human opposition. The chapter also shows the faithfulness of Baruch and Jeremiah in fulfilling God’s commands despite personal risk, highlighting the importance of courage and obedience in ministry.

The chapter underscores the tension between divine sovereignty and human rebellion. Even when leaders and nations reject God’s instructions, His purposes cannot be thwarted. The preservation and retransmission of the scroll foreshadow the enduring nature of Scripture and God’s faithfulness in ensuring that His message reaches His people. It also illustrates the prophetic role as both messenger and intercessor, tasked with faithfully delivering God’s word regardless of human opposition.

Contemporary readers are challenged to recognize the authority of Scripture in every area of life. Like Jehoiakim, individuals and societies can resist God’s instructions, but such rebellion carries consequences. Believers are encouraged to not only hear but act on God’s word, ensuring it shapes their daily decisions and leadership. The chapter also affirms perseverance in ministry; like Jeremiah and Baruch, faithful obedience requires courage to deliver God’s message even in the face of hostility or rejection. Finally, it reassures that God’s word endures, providing hope that truth and justice will ultimately prevail.

Jeremiah 37 – Jeremiah’s Imprisonment During Jehoiakim’s Reign

The events of chapters 37–39 are arranged chronologically, tracing Jeremiah’s life and ministry during the final siege and fall of Jerusalem. Jeremiah 37 occurs during the reign of King Zedekiah (597–586 B.C.), after Jerusalem became a vassal of Babylon but before its ultimate destruction. These events follow the earlier incidents of chapter 36, when King Jehoiakim had rejected God’s word by burning Jeremiah’s scroll, and God had miraculously protected Jeremiah and Baruch. Chapter 37 highlights the escalating tension as Nebuchadnezzar’s army surrounds Jerusalem, the king’s fear and indecision, the suffering of the people, and Jeremiah’s continued faithful counsel. By placing these events in sequence, the chapter emphasizes the consequences of ignoring God’s warnings while showing that His sovereignty and purposes remain unshaken, even amid political turmoil and human failure.

This section centers on Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, installed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar as a vassal following the brief reign of Coniah (also called Jehoiachin or Jeconiah), who ruled for only three months in 598–597 B.C. (2 Kings 24:8–9; Jer. 24:1) before being removed in fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy (36:30). Nebuchadnezzar then appointed Mattaniah, renamed Zedekiah, as king. Judah, facing these dark days, desperately needed a strong and godly leader, yet Zedekiah possessed neither wisdom nor courage. From the king to the common people, few heeded Jeremiah’s warnings until disaster struck (v. 1-2).

The chapter opens with news that Jerusalem is besieged, initially by Pharaoh’s army coming to assist Judah against Babylon (v. 1-2). During Babylon’s siege of Jerusalem in 589 B.C., Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt marched out to aid Judah at Zedekiah’s request (v. 5). The Babylonian army temporarily withdrew to face this new threat, raising false hopes among the people. Zedekiah sent messengers to Jeremiah, asking him to pray for the city (v. 3), perhaps expecting God to grant victory through Egypt. But the Lord’s reply was firm: Egypt would retreat to its own land in defeat (v. 7), and the Babylonians would return, capture Jerusalem, and burn it down (v. 8). God warned that even if Babylon’s forces were reduced to wounded men, they would still rise up and destroy the city (v. 10). Trusting in Egypt’s help was self-deception—Jerusalem’s fall was certain under God’s judgment.

When the Babylonian army temporarily withdrew to confront Egypt, Judah experienced a brief period of calm. Taking advantage of this lull, Jeremiah set out to travel to the territory of Benjamin. However, as he was leaving the city, the captain of the guard, Irijah, stopped him, accusing him of defecting to the Babylonians (v. 11-13). Jeremiah firmly denied the accusation, but Irijah refused to listen and brought him before the officials. Without a fair hearing, they had him beaten and confined in the house of Jonathan the secretary, which had been converted into a prison. This dungeon, described as “the house of the cistern, in the vaulted rooms,” was likely a network of underground water chambers adapted for holding prisoners. Jeremiah remained there for a long time, enduring harsh conditions (v. 14-16).

When Babylon returned and resumed its siege of Jerusalem, King Zedekiah secretly summoned Jeremiah to the palace. Because the prophet was deeply unpopular with the people, the meeting was private. Zedekiah asked if there was any word from the Lord, and Jeremiah’s message remained unchanged despite his imprisonment—Jerusalem would fall, and the king would be handed over to the Babylonians (v. 17).

Seizing the moment, Jeremiah protested his innocence and questioned what crime he had committed. He contrasted his true message with the false assurances of other prophets who claimed Babylon would not attack. Fearing for his life, Jeremiah pleaded not to be returned to the dank dungeon where he had been previously held, knowing he might die there.

Zedekiah granted the request, moving Jeremiah to the courtyard of the guard in the royal palace, where he could be better protected—though the king’s protection was weak and hesitant. He also ordered that Jeremiah receive a daily loaf of bread so he would not starve, a provision that lasted until the siege exhausted the city’s food supply (v. 18-21).

Jeremiah 37 emphasizes God’s sovereignty even amid political chaos. Human reliance on foreign powers cannot substitute for trust in God, and His prophets are His instruments to call His people back to faithfulness. The chapter also underscores that obedience to God can lead to suffering, yet faithfulness in delivering His message is paramount. God’s truth cannot be silenced, and His guidance remains the only path to genuine security.

Believers today are reminded to rely on God rather than human solutions, especially in times of uncertainty. The story of Jeremiah encourages steadfastness in speaking truth and living faithfully, even when facing opposition or personal risk. It also challenges leaders to heed divine counsel rather than prioritizing political expediency. Ultimately, this chapter reassures that God’s plans prevail, and His word remains authoritative despite human resistance.

Conclusion

Jeremiah 35–37 reminds us that God values obedience and faithfulness above ritual or appearances. The Rechabites exemplify wholehearted submission, while Judah’s leaders illustrate the dangers of rejecting God’s guidance. Through Jeremiah’s trials, we see that proclaiming God’s truth often comes at personal cost, yet God’s word cannot be silenced. These chapters challenge readers to examine where they follow God faithfully and where they might compromise, assuring us that God honors obedience and preserves His message, even in the midst of opposition.