Daily Devotions
Jeremiah
"In the days of Jehoiakim"
Text: Jeremiah 35:1
THE RECHABITES
The story of the faithful Rechabites was singled out for honourable mention. The faithfulness of this family stood out in great contrast to the faithfulness of Judah.
“The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD
in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying,
‘Go to the house of the Rechabites, speak to them,
and bring them into the house of the LORD,
into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink.'”
Jeremiah 35:1-2
1. “The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD
in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying”
a) The historical setting is to be noted
b) It was in the reign of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah.
i) Jehoahaz was the heir to the throne.
ii) He was deposed by Egypt; he reigned only 3 months.
iii) Jehoiakim was the brother of Jehoahaz.
iv) He was appointed king by Egypt in place of his brother.
v) His birthname was Eliakim (2 Chronicles 36:1-4).
c) The reign of Jehoiakim.
His reign was described as evil (2 Chronicles 36:5).
d) It was during this time, that the Babylonians came into the picture.
i) Jehoiakim was deposed by the Babylonians.
ii) He was taken to Babylon as a prisoner (2 Chronicles 36:6-8).
2. “Go to the house of the Rechabites, speak to them,
and bring them into the house of the LORD,
into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink”
a) The LORD spoke to Jeremiah.
b) He was given an unusual task to perform.
i) He was to go to the house of the Rechabites.
ii) The family would be invited to one of the chambers of the Temple.
iii) This would have been seen as a special honour.
iv) The Rechabite family would be hosted and wine would be served to them.