id only of themselves, who then flood before the
prophet, but of the whole family, from the time the charge was given,
down to that day. There is not the smallest probability that a
numerous family would inquire after, and find out a code of rules and
regulations which had been given nearly three centuries before, and
all take it on them to observe them, if they had been neglected by
their fathers, down to their time. They had doubtless been observed
with punctuality from the days of Jonadab. Their answer to the prophet
implies it. This had been known in Israel. Therefore were they brought
into public view, and made the occasion of a solemn rebuke of that
favored, but ungrateful people who had disregarded the injunctions
of an infinite God! This was the end proposed in bringing the
Rechabites into the temple at this time, and gave occasion to the
record here made to their honor, and to the blessings promised them
from above.

Some may laugh at the singularity of this strange family--may consider
it an evidence of weakness to pay such regard to the silly
requisitions of a superstitious ancestor--deny themselves so many
comforts--make themselves so singular--engage those with whom they
married to conform to the rules of their house, and instil the same
into their children from generation to generation! But whatever we may
think of them, it is manifest that this supposed weakness met the
divine approbation. The prophet speaks of them with honor; blesseth
them in the name of the Lord, and declares, in his name, that their
filial piety shall not go unrewarded. "And Jeremiah said unto the
house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, the God of
Israel, Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father,
and--done according to all that he commanded you: _Therefore, thus
saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Jonadab the son of Rechab,
shall not want a man to stand before me forever_."

These are not simply expressions of approbation, but contain
invaluable promises. They are made in the language of the old
testament, but to those blessed with gospel light, their meaning is
not obscure or difficult. The promise secured the continuance of this
family, and a succession of men of piety and virtue in it as long as
God's people continued--They should _never want a man to stand before
the Lord_--to serve him. That family had no office at the temple, but
in a course of regular devotion, they stood before God