Topical Encyclopedia
Jehonadab, also known as Jonadab, is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly noted for his association with Jehu and his role in the narrative of the kings of Israel. His account is primarily found in
2 Kings 10 and
Jeremiah 35.
Background and FamilyJehonadab was the son of Rechab, making him a member of the Rechabites, a nomadic clan known for their strict adherence to a lifestyle of abstinence from wine and a commitment to living in tents rather than permanent dwellings. This lifestyle was a direct result of the commands given by Jehonadab himself, which were intended to preserve the purity and distinctiveness of his family line.
Association with JehuJehonadab's most notable biblical appearance occurs during the reign of Jehu, the king of Israel. In
2 Kings 10, Jehu is on a mission to eradicate the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal from Israel. As Jehu travels, he encounters Jehonadab and invites him to join in his zeal for the Lord. The Berean Standard Bible records this encounter: "When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, 'Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?' 'It is,' Jehonadab replied. 'If it is,' said Jehu, 'give me your hand.' So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot" (
2 Kings 10:15).
Jehonadab's presence alongside Jehu signifies his approval and support of Jehu's reforms and his commitment to the eradication of idolatry in Israel. Together, they proceed to Samaria, where Jehu continues his campaign against the worship of Baal.
Legacy and InfluenceJehonadab's influence extends beyond his lifetime, as evidenced in
Jeremiah 35. The prophet Jeremiah uses the Rechabites as an example of faithfulness and obedience to divine commands. The Rechabites' adherence to Jehonadab's instructions serves as a stark contrast to the disobedience of the people of Judah. The Berean Standard Bible recounts: "But they replied, 'We do not drink wine, for our forefather Jonadab son of Rechab commanded us, saying, "You and your descendants must never drink wine. You must not build a house or sow seed or plant a vineyard. These things are not for you. Instead, you must live in tents all your days, so that you may live long in the land where you sojourn"'" (
Jeremiah 35:6-7).
God commends the Rechabites for their obedience, and through Jeremiah, He promises them a lasting legacy: "Therefore, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Jonadab son of Rechab will never fail to have a man to stand before Me'" (
Jeremiah 35:19).
SignificanceJehonadab's life and legacy highlight themes of obedience, faithfulness, and the importance of upholding godly principles. His influence on the Rechabites serves as a testament to the enduring impact of a life committed to God's commands. Through his association with Jehu, Jehonadab also plays a crucial role in the religious reforms of Israel, demonstrating the power of righteous alliances in the pursuit of divine purposes.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
JehonadabJonadab, free giver; liberality
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Jehonadab(whom Jehovah impels) andJonadab, the son of Rechab, founder of the Rechabites, an Arab chief. When Jehu was advancing, after the slaughter of Betheked, on the city of Samaria, he was suddenly met by Jehonadab, who joined with him in "slaying all that remained unto Ahab." (2 Kings 10:15-17)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Jehovah is liberal; or, whom Jehovah impels.
(1.) A son of Shimeah, and nephew of David. It was he who gave the fatal wicked advice to Amnon, the heir to the throne (2 Samuel 13:3-6). He was very "subtil," but unprincipled.
(2.) A son of Rechab, the founder of a tribe who bound themselves by a vow to abstain from wine (Jeremiah 35:6-19). There were different settlements of Rechabites (Judges 1:16;4:11;1 Chronicles 2:55). (seeRECHABITE.) His interview and alliance with Jehu are mentioned in2 Kings 10:15-23. He went with Jehu in his chariot to Samaria.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
JEHONADABje-hon'-a-dab (yehonadhabh, either "Yahweh is noble" or "liberal," or "Yahweh has impelled") = Jonadab (yonadhabh, same meaning):
(1) Jehonadab in the Hebrew of2 Samuel 13:5; but Jonadab in English Versions of the Bible, and in Hebrew and English Versions of the Bible of 13:3, 12, 35; son of Shimeah, King David's brother. He was friendly with Amnon his cousin, and is said to be "a very shrewd (the Revised Version (British and American) "subtle") man." He planned to get Tamar to wait upon Amnon. Two years after, when Absalom had murdered Amnon, and David had heard that all the king's sons were assassinated, Jehonadab assured him that only Amnon was killed; and his reassuring tone is justified (2 Samuel 13:35); possibly he knew of Absalom's intentions. Septuagint, Lucian, has "Jonathan" in2 Samuel 13:3;; and in2 Samuel 21:21 parallel1 Chronicles 20:7, there is mentioned a son of Shimei (= "Shimca,"1 Chronicles 2:7 = "Shammah,"1 Samuel 16:9), whose name is Jonathan.
SeeJONATHAN, (4).
(2) Jehonadab in2 Kings 10:15, 23; in Hebrew ofJeremiah 35:8, 14, 16, 18 = Jonadab inJeremiah 35:6, 10, 19, and English Versions of the Bible of 35:8, 14, 16, 18, "son" of Rechab, of the Kenite clan (1 Chronicles 2:55). Jehonadab is described in2 Kings 10 as an ally of Jehu in the olition of Baal-worship in Samaria. Jehu met him after slaying the son of Ahab (10:15); the second part of the verse should probably be translated "And he greeted him and said to him, Is thy heart upright (with me) as my heart is with thee? And Jehonadab answered, Yes. Then spake Jehu (so the Septuagint), If so, give me thy hand. InJeremiah 35 (where English Versions of the Bible has Jonadab throughout), he is called the "father" of the Rechabites, who derived from him their ordinances for their nomadic life and abstention from wine.
SeeRECHAB, RECHABITES.
David Francis Roberts
Strong's Hebrew
3082. Yehonadab -- "the LORD is noble," a Rechabite, also a nephew...... Word Origin from Yhvh and nadab Definition "the LORD is noble," a Rechabite, also
a nephew of David NASB Word Usage
Jehonadab (3), Jonadab (12).
...Library
Catholic Spirit
... "And when he was departed thence, he lighted onJehonadab the son of Rechab coming...
AndJehonadab answered: It is. If it be, give me thine hand." 2 Kings 10:15....
Impure Zeal
... And Jehu went, andJehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said
unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you...
How Jehu was Anointed King, and Slew Both Joram and Ahaziah; as...
... persons. 6. After these, there met him a good and a righteous man, whose
name wasJehonadab, and who had been his friend of old. He...
The Martyrdom of James, who was Called the Brother of the Lord.
... The Rechabites were a tribe who took their origin fromJehonadab, the son of Rechab,
who appears from 1 Chronicles 2:55 to have belonged to a branch of the...
The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
... of these Kenites was denominated from Rechab, an illustrious chief of the house
of Hobab; who had a son, or descendant, named Jonadab, orJehonadab, as his...
The Knowledge of God
... Sincerity makes our duties acceptable, like musk among linen, that perfumes it.
As Jehu said toJehonadab, 2 Kings 10:15. Is thy heart right with me?...
Parables. (xiii, xviii-xx, xxxv. )
... They refused, for they said that their ancestorJehonadab ben-Rechab(362) had charged
them to drink no wine, neither to build houses, nor sow seed nor plant...
The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <....
Thesaurus
Jehonadab (2 Occurrences)... Kings 10:15-23. He went with Jehu in his chariot to Samaria. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia.
JEHONADAB. je-hon'-a-dab (yehonadhabh
...Rechab (13 Occurrences)
... (2.) The father ofJehonadab, who was the father of the Rechabites (2 Kings 10:15,
23; Jeremiah 35:6-19). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. RECHAB; RECHABITES....
Rechabites (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The descendants of Rechab through Jonadab or
Jehonadab. They belonged to the Kenites, who accompanied...
Jehon'adab (2 Occurrences)
Jehon'adab.Jehonadab, Jehon'adab. Jehonathan . Multi-Version Concordance
Jehon'adab (2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 10:15 And when he...
Recab (12 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:15 And when he was departed thence, he lighted onJehonadab the son of
Rechab coming to meet him; and he saluted him, and said to him: 'Is thy heart...
Greeted (17 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS NIV). 2 Kings 10:15 When he had departed from there, he metJehonadab
the son of Rechab coming to meet him. He greeted him...
Good-day (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:15 And when he had gone away from there, he came acrossJehonadab, the
son of Rechab: and he said good-day to him, and said to him, Is your heart...
Saluted (11 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:15 And when he was departed thence, he lighted onJehonadab the son of
Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine...
Lighted (36 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:15 And when he was departed thence, he lighted onJehonadab the son of
Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine...
Helped (64 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). 2 Kings 10:15 When he had departed from
there, he metJehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him....
Resources
Who were the Rechabites in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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