Jeremiah 35:6, commentary and pictures

The verse records the Rechabites answering that they would drink no wine, because Jonadab the son of Rechab, their father and ancestor, had commanded them and their sons and descendants forever never to drink it. Their refusal held firm even when wine was set before them by Jeremiah acting at the Lord's instruction. Their abstinence from wine belonged with their keeping of Jonadab's other family instructions not to plant vineyards, sow seed, or live in houses. His command was wise and special instruction for protection against intemperance, expressing frugality and temperance in all things and simplicity of manner as a better portion in this life than the ways of the worldling.

Their refusal was firm, faithful, and strict obedience, continuing across generations in remembrance of the command and submission to parental authority. It was a continued practice that kept his command in memory. God commended their obedience.

The Lord uses their obedience to contrast with the disobedience of the Jews and Judah, who refused to heed God's words and the warnings delivered through His prophets. The contrast is heightened because the Jews had been guarded by God by many means against evils that would make it difficult and even impossible to carry on their appointed work, and had received special light and privileges. Their example teaches that obedience brings blessing. Their faithful obedience to a good and wise human father teaches that God's authority, because He is holier than man, deserves still greater reverence and obedience.

God uses reproof to lead people to see their sin and repent of it. Those who persistently disregard God's counsel and act against His declared will lose His protection, and ruin follows.