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Rechabites, the Nomads
Jeremiah 35:5 “Then I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites bowls full of wine, and cups; and I said to them, “Drink wine.””
The Rechabites name is the Hebrew name Rekah H7397 – rēḵâ, meaning uttermost, or softness, even weak – like a heart that faints. The Rechabites were forbidden to drink wine, to own land or vineyards, or to live in cities, and they were to always lead a nomadic life. Being invited by Jeremiah, into the Temple as highly honored guests, could have been confusing. Some people might take a vow to do something, but the real test is when you are confronted with highly respected people, treating you highly and then offering you something that goes against your vow.
It does make one wonder, why go to the extreme of no wine, owning no land, and not partake in farming. This is living your entire life as a real test of faith, after all YHWH is our Father, and does promise to take care of us. Isaiah 46:4, “Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Even as far back as Abraham, who was a nomad as well, lived in tents and moved throught the lands.
Fasting
Jeremiah 36:9 “Now it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, in the ninth month, that they proclaimed a fast before YHWH to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people who came from the cities of Judah to Jerusalem.”
In Jerusalem, the 9th month would be around November/December, winter time. This is right before Jerusalem was finally captured by the Babylonians. See our previous post on the meaning and rules of fasting (click here to read more). Fasting is a means to deny yourself, your body and your own needs, while your soul cries out for answer or relief. Fasting at the same time, have incredibly healing capabilities, and it comes directly because of denying your flesh, that the soul can heal. See a previous post from Psalm 63 that explains the differences between body, soul and spirit – but also how connected they are (click here to read more).
