Jonadab יְהוֹנָדָב
Son of Rechab, who promoted Rechabite lifestyle
Biography
Jonadab, the son of Rechab, is mentioned in the books of Jeremiah and 2 Kings as the founder of the Rechabites, a nomadic tribe known for their strict adherence to a set of rules that he established. Jonadab instructed his descendants to abstain from drinking wine, building houses, sowing seed, and planting vineyards (Jer.35.6-7). Instead, they were to live in tents and follow a nomadic way of life.
The Rechabites' faithfulness to Jonadab's commands is highlighted in Jeremiah 35, where the prophet uses their example to contrast the disobedience of the people of Judah. When offered wine by Jeremiah, the Rechabites refused, stating that they were following the instructions of their ancestor Jonadab (Jer.35.6,8). God commends the Rechabites for their steadfast obedience and promises that they will always have a descendant to serve Him (Jer.35.18-19).
In 2Ki.10.15-23, Jonadab is mentioned in connection with Jehu, the king of Israel. After Jehu had carried out a purge of the worshippers of Baal, he met Jonadab and invited him to witness his zeal for the Lord. Jonadab's presence and approval of Jehu's actions suggest that he was a respected figure known for his devotion to God.
The example of Jonadab and the Rechabites serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and the value of maintaining a distinct identity in the midst of a changing society. Their commitment to their way of life and their ancestor's instructions stands in stark contrast to the disobedience and unfaithfulness of the people of Judah during the time of Jeremiah.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentJeremiah 5 verses
- Jeremiah 35:8
"We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters;"
Study Jeremiah → - Jeremiah 35:14
"“The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab that he commanded his sons, not to drink wine, are performed; and to this day they drink none, for they obey their father’s commandment; but I have spoken to you, rising up early and speaking, and you have not listened to me."
Study Jeremiah → - Jeremiah 35:16
"The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to me.” ’"
Study Jeremiah → - Jeremiah 35:18
"Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, “Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Because you have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according to all that he commanded you;’"
Study Jeremiah → - Jeremiah 35:6
"But they said, “We will drink no wine; for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, ‘You shall drink no wine, neither you, nor your sons, forever."
Study Jeremiah →
2 Kings 2 verses
- 2 Kings 10:15
"When he had departed from there, he met Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him. He greeted him, and said to him, “Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart?” Jehonadab answered, “It is.” “If it is, give me your hand.” He gave him his hand; and he took him up to..."
- 2 Kings 10:23
"Jehu went with Jehonadab the son of Rechab into the house of Baal. Then he said to the worshipers of Baal, “Search, and see that none of the servants of Yahweh are here with you, but only the worshipers of Baal.”"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יְהוֹנָדָב | H3082G |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | יְהוֹנָדָב | H3082G |
| Named | Hebrew | יוֹנָדָב | H3122H |
Jonadab
ah, the son of Amittai, of Gath-hepher, a prophet and servant of Yahweh, predicted the restoration of the land o