Some of that progenitor’s requirements seemed rigorous, but being the order of a respected ancestor the family considered them as obligatory; nor could they be persuaded to violate them in any particular, though publicly invited to it by a prophet.

It may be proper here to make some inquiries relative to these Rechabites—­to the person whose charge they conceived so binding; and the nature and design of the charge.

The Rechabites are said to have been a branch of the Kenites, and to have descended from Hobab, the son of Jethro, Moses’ father in law. *

* Vide Henry and Brown’s Dictionary.

While Israel were encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai, that Midianitish priest, or prince, visited Moses, bringing with him, Zipporah, the wife of Moses and her children, who had been sent to her father’s as a place of safety, during the troubles in Egypt.  Not long after, Hobab, the son of Jethro, appears to have been with Israel in the wilderness; and he was invited to go with them to the land of promise, and take his lot among them, and was promised an equal share of blessings with the seed of Jacob—­“If thou wilt go with us, it shall be, that what goodness the Lord shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.”  At first Hobab declined, but he eventually complied; as his descendants were among the Hebrews after their settlement in Canaan, and they continued among them, and remained a distinct family, down to the captivity.

One branch of these Kenites was denominated from Rechab, an illustrious chief of the house of Hobab; who had a son, or descendant, named Jonadab, or Jehonadab, as his name is sometimes written.  Jonadab was renowned for wisdom and piety.  He flourished in the days of Jehu, almost three centuries before the Babylonish captivity; and was so famed for sanctity and attachment to true religion, that only being seen in his company was a recommendation to the regard of its friends.  Therefore was he treated with respect by Jehu, while he pretended a regard for the true God—­therefore was he taken up by that prince into his chariot, and made his partner in the destruction of idolatry.  Such was the man who left this charge to his descendants, which was so sacredly regarded by them, for so long a term.

This was a remarkable family.  Another who have paid equal attention to the orders of a departed progenitor, and in which none of the members appear to have degenerated from his virtue, is not perhaps to be found in the annals of mankind!  But our surprise will increase if we attend to the nature of the charge.

The prophet was directed to gather the whole family of the Rechabites —­bring them into the house of the Lord—­set wine before them and invite them to drink.  He obeyed; offering them a treat, as a family known and respected in Israel.