Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
The Rechabites are a nomadic group of people who take refuge from the Babylonian invasion by holing up in Jerusalem. In Chapter 35, God tells Jeremiah to offer them wine, but they refuse, saying that their ancestor, Jehonadab, told them not to drink any wine. God then holds up the Rechabites as a great example of obedience. They've been faithful to their ancestors' principles, but Judah can't even be faithful to the principles handed down to them by God himself.