1. An attitude of obedience (1-11)

God wanted to show his people an example of obedience. He asked Jeremiah to invite a Recabite family to the temple and offer them wine. Jeremiah did so. It was tempting, but the family refused because their ancestor told them to never drink wine. For generations the Recabites obeyed this direction. Their obedience was exemplary.

2. Pay attention to God and reform (12-19)

God worked through this example to call his people to repentance. If this family could obey their ancestor so faithfully, then why couldn't the Israelites obey their God who was with them? Why was it so hard for them to obey God's word? They were unable to reform their ways because they refused to submit themselves to God.