God sought thus to bring into sharp contrast the obedience of the Rechabites with the disobedience and rebellion of His people. The Rechabites had obeyed the command of their father and now refused to be enticed into transgression. But the men of Judah had hearkened not to the words of the Lord, and were in consequence about to suffer His severest judgments.

Gud søgte på denne måde at påvise den store modsætning mellem rekabitternes lydighed og hans folks ulydighed og oprørske indstilling. Rekabitterne havde adlydt deres faders befaling og nægtet at lade sig lokke i synd, men Judas mænd havde ikke lyttet til Herrens ord, og som følge deraf ville de blive straffet hårdt.