The Rabbi

Civilizing the Nomad—G-d uses and abuses as he illustrates by the lives of some a message to others. I, Jeremiah, have learned it’s better to be with G-d than against him, but I frequently consider what it would be like without him. He sent me to offer wine to the members of the house of Rechab. More than several came in response to my invitation to meet with me in the temple, but after pleasant introductions, I offered wine as a gesture of welcome—to a man they refused.

This strange response, they informed me relates to a vow made by one Jonadab their ancestor of renown. Upon viewing the degradation of city life, he imposed an oath on his descendants that they should neither drink wine, city dwell, nor even farm but rather live a simple, nomadic life—tending the herd, pitching the tent. According to this vow, all Jonadab’s family lives.

Their worship of yhwh parallels; civilization—growth in economy, arts, literature, and architecture—opens avenues for alternatives to the agrarian, pastoral worship of the fathers, but the Rechabites chose the old ways, only a festival would draw them to the city.

God uses the fidelity of these Rechabites to illustrate to his people their lack of obedience. Why had Judah not keep my instruction? why to the insistent call of my prophets did my people not, as the Rechabites, respond in obedience?

I, Jeremiah, continue my conversation with the Rechabites, why are you now in the city? Nebuchadnezzar drove us here, pastoral Judah no longer exists. For our lives we fled to what we consider contaminating; was there another choice?

My G-d, my G-d why have you brought such innocent people into this maelstrom of polluted, moral, and spiritual corruption—a place fated to fall heinously to Babylonian sword? My anguish is denied an audience as he violently overwhelms me, using my mouth to offer consolation to the anxious Rechabites.

Your faithful obedience opens preservation’s door; a Rechabite shall always stand before me in service. The Rechabits appreciate this Joban blessing—I, Jeremiah, consider the fate of their women and children after they had departed to their canvas neighborhood. I question G-d concerning their fate—Nebuchadnezzar’s warriors will slice and rape those faithful to yhwh as well as the syncretizers and agnostics. Survival of a family matter little when death for most soon approaches. Why must the righteous suffer with and on account of the wicked?