In Jeremiah 35 God spotlights the Recabites, who are faithful to the traditions set forth by their own forefather Jonadab, in order to emphasize that the Israelites, therefore should be able to obey their heavenly Father.
Just to offer some background information on the Recabites: The forefather Jonadab (or Jehonadab) is actually mentioned in 2 Kings 10:15-16. According to the Concordia Self-Study Bible, "Jehonadab was the leader of a conservative movement among the Israelites that was characterized by strong opposition to Baalism as well as to various practices of a settled agricultural society, including the building of houses, the sowing of crops, and the use of wine." Apparently Jonadab felt these were practical steps to helping his family avoid the road to moral decay--it would be like us today telling our children to avoid certain forms of entertainment or groups of friends. In the 2 Kings incident, King Jehu's "public association with Jehonadab gave Jehu added credentials among the rural populace as a follower of the Lord."
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