Jeremiah 35

Jeremiah 35:1

The Thirtieth Prophecy of Jeremiah (see book comments for Jeremiah).

came. Jeremiah goes back here to insert a preceding event (See Jeremiah 25:1; Jeremiah 26:1), in order to complete the correspondence by introducing the second illustration, as shown in the Structure, (Jeremiah 34:8-16) and (Jeremiah 35:1-11).

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

in the days, &c. Immediately before Nebuchadnezzar’s advance, in his fourth year.

Jeremiah 35:2

house. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), for the descendants of Rechab, through Jonadab his son. who became their chieftain and lawgiver. Compare Jeremiah 35:6.

Rechabites They were descended from Hobab, the brother-inlaw of Moses. A Kenite tribe, who migrated with Israel to Canaan. Compare Numbers 10:29 with Judges 1:16; Judges 4:11-17; Judges 5:24. 1 Samuel 15:6. They were proselytes, not idolaters; inhabiting the wilderness south of Judah.

one of the chambers. There were many, for various purposes of the Temple worship. Compare Jeremiah 36:10 with 1 Kings 6:5. 1 Chronicles 9:27. Nehemiah 13:4-12.

wine. Hebrew. yayin. [fermented wine] App-27.

Jeremiah 35:4

Igdaliah. See note on Psalms 90:1.

a man of God = the man (Hebrew. ’ish, App-14.) of God (Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.): i.e. a prophet. See App-49.

Maaseiah, &c. He was the deputy of the High Priest. Compare Jeremiah 52:24. 2 Kings 25:18. Probably the same whose son Zephaniah, after the carrying away of Maaseiah with Jehoiachin (Jeremiah 29:1), held office under Zedekiah (Jeremiah 21:1; Jeremiah 29:5; Jeremiah 37:3).

keeper of the door = keeper of the threshold. There were three. See 2 Kings 25:18. 2 Chronicles 31:14.

Jeremiah 35:5

pots = bowls.

Jeremiah 35:6

for ever = unto times age-abiding.

Jeremiah 35:7

build. This was as essential as the former injunction.

live many days, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 20:12). App-92.

in the land = on the soil.

Jeremiah 35:11

When, &c. They explain why they did not carry out the latter part of their vow (Jeremiah 35:7).

Syrians. This is the only place where they are mentioned with the Chaldeans. They had been made subject to Assyria long before; (Isaiah 9:12). After the fall of Nineveh they came under the yoke of Babylon.

Jeremiah 35:13

The Thirty-First Prophecy of Jeremiah (see book comments for Jeremiah).

the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel. See note on Jeremiah 7:3. men. Hebrew. ’ish. App-14.

saith the Lord = [is] Jehovah’s oracle.

Jeremiah 35:14

rising early and speaking. See note on Jeremiah 7:13.

Jeremiah 35:15

every man. Hebrew ’Ish. App-14.

evil. Hebrew. raa. App-44.

Jeremiah 35:16

Because, &c. They are praised for their obedience, without reference to the nature of the command. Jonadab is not justified by this for imposing his will on all his posterity.

Jeremiah 35:17

the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel = Jehovah Elohim Zeba’oth, Elohim of Israel. See App-4. This is the fullest (and therefore the most solemn) use of this Divine title. Occurs in this book only three times (here, Jeremiah 38:17, and Jeremiah 44:7).

Behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6. Used to emphasize further what follows.

evil. Hebrew. ra’a’. App-44.

Jeremiah 35:19

for ever = all the days.