Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed:
The Rechabites built no houses to dwell in and had no vineyard, nor field, nor seed, living in tents without planting vineyards or sowing seed in obedience to the special command of Jonadab their father.
Their obedience to parental authority expressed frugality and temperance in all things and simplicity of manner. That frugal, temperate, simple life is a far better portion in this life than the ways of the world. God commended their obedience.
The Lord holds up that obedience in contrast with the disobedience of the Jews and of Judah in refusing to heed God's warnings. Those thus contrasted had received special light and privileges. God had long sought by many means to guard them against evils that would hinder the work given them to do.
The Rechabites built no houses to dwell in and had no vineyard, nor field, nor seed, living in tents without planting vineyards or sowing seed in obedience to the special command of Jonadab their father.
Their obedience to parental authority expressed frugality and temperance in all things and simplicity of manner. That frugal, temperate, simple life is a far better portion in this life than the ways of the world. God commended their obedience.
The Lord holds up that obedience in contrast with the disobedience of the Jews and of Judah in refusing to heed God's warnings. Those thus contrasted had received special light and privileges. God had long sought by many means to guard them against evils that would hinder the work given them to do.