Jeremiah 35:14
The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father’s commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me.
The verse sets the continued performance to this day of the words of Jonadab son of Rechab commanding his sons not to drink wine and their obedience to their father's commandment against the refusal of Judah and Jerusalem to hearken to God though He spoke to them rising early and speaking. Their obedience makes the disobedience clear and exposes the unrighteous course of those who would not listen or answer. "Rising early and speaking" means that God spoke repeatedly and persistently to His people through warnings, reproof, and calls to listen, sending all His servants the prophets.
The prophetic message called every man to return from his evil way, to amend his doings, and not to go after other gods, with the promise that they could dwell and remain in the land given to their fathers and ancestors. The constancy of the Rechabites was fully proved, for their loyalty and faithfulness held firm, and nothing was required of them but what they were able to perform. Judah's disobedience was aggravated because the Jews refused despite having special light and privileges.
If the wise directions of a good father should be obeyed, God as holy Creator and commander deserves still greater reverence and obedience than a human father. Because His people would not listen or answer but refused to heed His repeated warnings and calls to return from evil, the judgment He had warned of would come upon them, showing the seriousness of refusing God's instruction and that continued refusal leads to judgment. God mercifully uses many means to lead people to see and repent of sin, but those who persistently reject His reproof and act against His will bring ruin upon themselves. His people remain prosperous only through His mercy and the care of His heavenly messengers, and He will not uphold and protect a people who disregard His counsel and despise His reproofs.