1 Chronicles 4:9-10
9Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain. 10And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested. (New King James Version)
(Please note: 1 Chronicles 4:10 is interpreted differently in other biblical translations. The New International Version, for example, renders vs. 10 as “…keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” Other versions translate Jabez’s prayer similarly. The NKJV’s interpretation is reflected in this devotion’s content and questions.)
Several years ago, “The Prayer of Jabez” became a sensational hit, and the Christian industry went consumer crazy! Even now, if you search Amazon, you will find Jabez’s prayer in multiple books, on coins, clothes, clocks, and a LED USB rechargeable sign! You can buy mugs with “got Jabez?”. You can purchase products with hashtag “#Jabez” to remind you to pray Jabez’s prayer. I am a little disappointed someone didn’t concoct some splashy Jabez cologne or skincare line to wear while praying the prayer of Jabez…but only so I could make fun of it.
The seemingly excessive enthusiasm weirded me out. I get spooked when portions of the Bible become hyper-materialized. And yet, Jabez did pray, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory” (vs. 10). Well, here we are, and many moons later, God has done just that. Despite my poking a bit of fun, Jabez’s simple, humble prayer exceeded even religious boundaries – blessing not only Christians but many reaching unbeliever’s hearts as well. And this short devotion enlarges the boundaries of his territory a few inches further still.
I cannot help wondering if this prayer resonated with so many people because his words were pitched out of such pain. We discover from this passage his mother delivered him with such physical agony, she named him Jabez – literally meaning “he who causes sorrow.” What a hard thing to bear such a name – to hear yourself endlessly labeled and identified “a pain.” How hurtful and how humbling.
Verse 9 describes Jabez as more honorable than all his brothers. The Word of God demonstrates that honorable character develops through suffering. Refined faith, wisdom, and moral resourcefulness are results promised to those who patiently endure suffering (James 1:2-4). The tenderhearted nearness of God, His grace, and His exaltation are rewards promised to those who are contrite, humbled by heartaches, as well as mistakes. (Ps. 34:18; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5-6). Suffering set into the hands of God becomes a supernatural superpower.
My heart is pierced with sympathy to consider how Jabez presented himself, along with his cursed name, to the “God of Israel.” He did not merely ask for a blessing and more territory. He was asking for a relationship with Him, “that Your hand would be with me.” He then made a most unexpected, exceptional request: that God would redirect the course of his legacy – from one who had caused pain to one who would never cause sorrow again.
Verse 10 records that God granted his heartrending request. God blessed Jabez, enlarged his territory, set His hand upon him, and miraculously kept Jabez from evil, from causing anyone pain from that day forward. His history did not define his destiny. God took Jabez’s birth name and transformed it into a uniquely blessed birthright – a miraculous heritage that impacts people to this very day, perhaps even this very moment.
For anyone who feels intimidated by prayer, Jabez’s encounter with God proves eloquence is not necessary to impress or move Him to act on our behalf. But sincerity and simple, humble faith in Him sure does.
For Reflection and Discussion:
1. Sift 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 carefully, and list the qualities and activities you note about God. (Remember: Consider what is also implied. For example, we know God granted Jabez’s request; therefore, we know God sees, hears, and responds to us. He not only provides an answer, He is the Answer.) Which one is most meaningful to you today, and why? Use this list to help guide you to praise Him.
2. Jabez entreated God, asking Him “that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain” (vs. 10). Causing intentional, unnecessary pain should be the antithesis of a Believer’s purpose. We are not even allowed to hurt our enemies (Rom. 12:19-20)! Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how you may be hurting those around you: A vindictive tongue? Alienation, exclusion, neglect? Withholding encouragement and loving support? Unfulfilled promises? Confess this to the Lord, and seek His strength to ask for forgiveness and to discontinue harmful behavior. The ways we can harm others are innumerable; the grief we may have caused is immeasurable. Share verses, quotes, and practical tips that can help us guard against hurting others.
3. Can you think of ways the Lord has blessed you or made your pursuits successful (enlarged your territory)? Share a milestone in your life where God’s hand was with you. Recall a moment He pricked your conscience and kept you from acting out in a sinful, self-serving way. Rejoice in remembering the times He moved you to bring relief to the hurting, to encourage others. Open up, worship, and enjoy Him. Be generous with your thanksgiving to Him for the evil He has kept you from committing and the good He has moved you to accomplish.
4. I can imagine the hurt Jabez must have carried, perhaps even shame, because of the name he was given. (I can imagine it because I am well acquainted with grief and humiliation!) But can you imagine the unbridled joy he must have felt when he realized the God of Israel granted his requests? Set aside some time to audio record, videotape, or write out a testimony sharing a life-altering moment the God of Israel revealed Himself to you or granted a special request.
5. Vs. 9 describes Jabez as “honorable.” There is a tone of suffering that vibrates through his prayer. It grieved him to know he had caused anyone pain. The Holy Bible provides multiple verses describing the power of suffering in the process of maturing Believers. How have you seen the Spirit use suffering to move you to repentance, deepen your faith, and develop stouter resistance to sin? If others were speaking secretly, but honestly, about you, could they describe you as honorable? If not, why not? Allow Jabez’s example to disciple your response. Humbly appeal to God as he did.
6. Review the verses referenced in the devotion. Which convict and encourage you most, and why?
7. As you prayed through 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 this week, did the Holy Spirit ignite any insights in your heart? Did He inspire you to pray anything unique or unexpected? Can you share a change of thought or action?
