John Calvin Commentary Jeremiah 35:16

"Forasmuch as the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father which he commanded them, but this people hath not hearkened unto me;" — Jeremiah 35:16 (ASV)

The Prophet says nothing new here, but confirms what has been said before. He did this so that the shameful nature of the people’s conduct might more fully appear: on one hand, a mortal man, now dead, retained authority over his descendants by once imposing a difficult restraint upon them.

Meanwhile, God, on the other hand, accomplished nothing, even though He had constantly addressed and exhorted His people, sent prophets, and did not cease to invite them to Himself. He had not only invited them, but also kindly attracted them by presenting His favors to them and giving them hope for the future. Since God, then, had tried all means without any success, the hopeless depravity of the people therefore became evident. This is the significance of the whole matter.

Prayer:

Grant, Almighty God, that since You have made known to us by Your servants, not only once, but even often, the way of salvation, and have also sent Your only-begotten Son to be our teacher of perfect wisdom — O grant, that we may so submit to You and so consecrate our whole life to You, that He who died for our salvation and rose again may peaceably rule us by the doctrine of His gospel; and that we may strive to glorify You in this world, so that we may at last be made partakers of that celestial glory which Your Son, our Lord, has obtained for us. Amen.