My Favorite Bible Verses

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain. Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request (1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NIV).

Jabez, though not explicitly included in the lineage, is implied to be an ancestor of the Kings of Judah.

I find it interesting that this prayer is included in the middle of the number of ancestral linkages. I also find it interesting that his prayer is prefaced with the notation, “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. Thirdly, his birth apparently brought his mother great pain … perhaps more so than normal childbirth.

Should a prayer such as this be a model for today’s believer?

Jabez asks God to enlarge his territories. We can ask God to increase our perimeter of influence for His glory.  

We might think his asking to be kept free from pain was selfish or odd. But don’t we turn to God with our ailments? Just like a child runs to his mother when he falls. He knows Mom can take away his pain with a simple kiss and a hug.

And God granted his request:

Because of Jabez’s faith, God heard and answered. He hears the prayers of those who have confidence and trust in Him.