Who was Rechab in the Bible?
Lived during the divided monarchy
Rechab was the father of Jehonadab (2Ki.10.15) and the ancestor of the Rechabites, a nomadic tribe known for their strict adherence to God's commands (Jeremiah 35). Rechab appears in 11 verses across 3 books of the Bible.
The Bible uses the name Rechab for 2 different people. All 2 are below, each with its own passages.
Rechab, father of Jehonadab
Rechab was the father of Jehonadab (2Ki.10.15) and the ancestor of the Rechabites, a nomadic tribe known for their strict adherence to God's commands (Jeremiah 35). The Rechabites were descendants of the Kenites, who were associated with the Israelites since the time of Moses (Jdg.1.16). Jehonadab, son of Rechab, supported Jehu in his purge of Baal worship in Israel (2Ki.10.15-23). The Rechabites were known for their obedience to the commands of their ancestor Jonadab, which included abstaining from wine, not building houses, not sowing seed, and not planting vineyards (Jer.35.6-7). When the prophet Jeremiah tested their obedience by offering them wine, they refused, demonstrating their commitment to their ancestral vows (Jer.35.1-11). God commended the Rechabites for their faithfulness and promised that they would always have a descendant to serve Him (Jer.35.18-19). The example of the Rechabites stands as a model of obedience and devotion to God in the midst of a society that had largely abandoned His ways.
Definition text: STEPBible · Tyndale House Cambridge. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Lightly edited for length and formatting.
Compiled by Protos: the verse list on this page. Where one name belongs to more than one person or place, each of them gets a separate entry.
Rechab in 2 Samuel
Rechab is mentioned in 2 Samuel as the brother of Baanah, both captains in the army of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul (2Sa.4.2). After the death of Saul, Ishbosheth was made king over Israel, while David reigned over Judah (2Sa.2.8-10). Baanah and Rechab, who were from the tribe of Benjamin, betrayed Ishbosheth by sneaking into his house while he was resting and murdering him (2Sa.4.5-7). They brought Ishbosheth's head to David, hoping to gain favor with him (2Sa.4.8). However, David condemned their treacherous act and ordered their execution (2Sa.4.9-12). The actions of Rechab's sons contributed to the downfall of Ishbosheth and the eventual unification of Israel under David's rule. The story highlights the political instability and violence that characterized the early days of David's reign.
4 verses: 2 Samuel 4:2, 2 Samuel 4:5, 2 Samuel 4:6, 2 Samuel 4:9
Definition text: STEPBible · Tyndale House Cambridge. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Lightly edited for length and formatting.
Where does Rechab appear in the Bible?
Rechab is referenced in 11 verses across 3 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.
- 2 Kings 10:15
- 2 Kings 10:23
- Jeremiah 35:6
- Jeremiah 35:8
- Jeremiah 35:14
- Jeremiah 35:16
- Jeremiah 35:19
Showing the first 7 of 11.
Open all 11 references in ProtosWhat else appears in these passages?
These turn up in the same passages as Rechab.
Common questions
How many people in the Bible are called Rechab?
Rechab refers to 2 different people in the Bible: Rechab, father of Jehonadab; Rechab in 2 Samuel.
How many times does the Bible mention Rechab?
Rechab appears in 11 verses across 3 books, most often in Jeremiah, which accounts for 5 of them.
Which books of the Bible mention Rechab?
Jeremiah, 2 Samuel, 2 Kings.
Where can I read every verse about Rechab?
This page lists 7 of them. Protos carries all 11, and opens this entry on the verse you are reading rather than in a separate tab.
