One theory is the Rechabites belonged to the Kenites, who accompanied the Israelites into the Holy Land and dwelt among them; the sources of information are few and unclear.
[1] Whoever he was, Jehonadab ben Rechab forbade his descendants to drink wine, to own land or vineyards, or to live in cities.
The Rechabites adhered to the law laid down by Jehonadab, and were noted for their fidelity to the old established custom of their family in the days of Jeremiah;[3] and this feature of their character is referred to by God for the purpose of giving point to his message to the King of Judah.
The Mekhilta tells a story—presumably dating to the late Second Temple period—of Rechabites, known as "sons of water drinkers" due to their abstention from wine.
[9] In more recent times, the name has been used by Christian groups keen to promote total abstinence from alcohol, such as the Independent Order of Rechabites.