The Rechabites | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 6, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 10.

The Rechabites.

IN Mesopotamia, only a few years ago, Dr. Wolff the celebrated missionary, met with a wild-looking man like an Arab; he was on horseback riding through the deserts. Dr. Wolff was told that this man was a Jew, so he spoke to him and asked him if he could read. He could read both Hebrew and Arabic well, and was glad to see a Bible in Hebrew, which Dr. Wolff showed him. Then the missionary asked him about his country and his people. The man took the Bible, and turning to Jeremiah 25th chapter, he pointed in a very significant manner to the story of the Rechabites. Then he told Dr. Wolff that his people lived in the deserts near Mecco in Arabia. He said, "We are descended from Jonadab, the son of Rechab. We drink no wine, and plant no vineyards; we live in tents as Jonadab commanded us. Come and see us; and you will find 60,000 still living, and you will see that this prophecy is fulfilled."