1 Chronicles 4:10

And Jabez called out to the God of Israel, "If only You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain." And God granted the request of Jabez.

Study Bible

And Jabez called out to the God of Israel
Jabez is a relatively obscure figure in the Bible, mentioned only in this passage. His name means "sorrow" or "pain," which may reflect the circumstances of his birth. The act of calling out to the God of Israel indicates a deep faith and reliance on God, a common theme throughout the Old Testament. This phrase highlights the personal relationship between Jabez and God, emphasizing prayer as a means of communication with the divine. The God of Israel is a title that underscores God's covenant relationship with His people, reminding readers of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

“If only You would bless me
The request for blessing is a recurring theme in biblical prayers, reflecting a desire for divine favor and provision. Blessings in the Old Testament often include prosperity, health, and success, but they also carry a spiritual dimension, indicating God's presence and approval. This phrase echoes the patriarchal blessings found in Genesis, where figures like Abraham and Jacob sought God's favor for themselves and their descendants.

and enlarge my territory!
In the historical context, land was a critical component of wealth and security. The request to enlarge territory can be seen as a desire for increased influence and responsibility. It may also reflect the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel regarding the land. This phrase can be connected to the broader biblical theme of God's people expanding and flourishing under His guidance, as seen in the conquest narratives of Joshua.

May Your hand be with me
The hand of God is a metaphor for His power and presence. In the Bible, God's hand is often associated with deliverance and protection, as seen in the Exodus story. This request signifies a desire for God's guidance and strength in all endeavors. It reflects a dependence on divine intervention rather than human effort alone, aligning with the biblical principle that success comes from God.

and keep me from harm
This plea for protection is a common element in biblical prayers, reflecting the reality of a world filled with dangers and adversities. The request to be kept from harm can be seen as a desire for both physical safety and spiritual integrity. It resonates with the Lord's Prayer in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches His disciples to ask for deliverance from evil.

so that I will be free from pain.”
The mention of pain ties back to Jabez's name, creating a personal and poignant request. It suggests a desire for relief from suffering and a life marked by peace and well-being. This phrase can be seen as a broader metaphor for the human condition and the hope for redemption and restoration, themes that are fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ.

And God granted the request of Jabez.
This concluding statement highlights God's responsiveness to sincere prayer and faith. It serves as a testament to the power of prayer and God's willingness to bless those who earnestly seek Him. The granting of Jabez's request can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promises and a demonstration of His faithfulness, encouraging believers to trust in God's provision and care.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jabez
A man noted for his prayer to God, seeking blessing and protection. His name means "sorrow" or "pain," which is significant in understanding his plea to God.

2. God of Israel
The covenant God of the Israelites, whom Jabez calls upon for blessing and protection.

3. The Prayer of Jabez
A specific prayer where Jabez asks for blessing, expansion of territory, God's presence, and protection from harm.

Teaching Points

The Power of Prayer
Jabez's account highlights the importance of earnest and specific prayer. Believers are encouraged to approach God with their desires and needs, trusting in His willingness to respond.

Seeking God's Blessing
Jabez's request for blessing and expansion is not selfish but rooted in a desire for God's favor. Christians should seek God's blessing with the intent to honor Him and further His kingdom.

Dependence on God's Presence
Jabez asks for God's hand to be with him, emphasizing the need for divine guidance and support in all endeavors.

Protection from Harm
Jabez's prayer for protection reminds believers of the importance of seeking God's safeguarding from physical and spiritual dangers.

God's Faithfulness
The fact that God granted Jabez's request demonstrates His faithfulness and readiness to respond to the prayers of His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Jabez's name mean, and how does it relate to his prayer?

2. How does Jabez's prayer reflect a balance between seeking personal blessing and relying on God's presence?

3. In what ways can Jabez's prayer serve as a model for our own prayers today?

4. How does the account of Jabez encourage us to trust in God's faithfulness and willingness to answer prayer?

5. What other biblical figures can you think of who prayed for God's blessing and protection, and how were their prayers answered?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:1-3
God's promise to Abraham to bless him and make his name great, which parallels Jabez's request for blessing and expansion.

Psalm 139:5
The psalmist speaks of God's hand being upon him, similar to Jabez's request for God's hand to be with him.

Matthew 7:7-11
Jesus teaches about asking, seeking, and knocking, which aligns with Jabez's bold request to God.