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1 Chronicles 4:9-10 – Praying through the Bible – The Prayer of Jabez
Genealogies are boring, but if we approach genealogies…wait, are you still reading this…if we approach genealogies expecting nothing but mind-numbing names, we will miss unexpected jewels. Halfway through Judah’s descendants, God surprises us:
1 Chronicles 4.9-10 – (9) Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez and said, “I gave birth to him in pain.” (10) Jabez called out to the God of Israel: “If only You would bless me, extend my border, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not cause any pain.” And God granted his request.
Then immediately the Holy Spirit dives back into the boring list. What a spiritual specimen Jabez was to warrant this interruptive declaration. While the plea is just one verse, likely you have heard of it, despite its brevity, and odd location. Bruce Wilkinson wrote a short (less than 100 pages) book which sold 9 million copies. It asks if you want an “extraordinary life.” Well, let’s be honest. We should want the life God wants us to have, whether it is extraordinary, ordinary, or as boring as a genealogy.
Jabez asks for four blessings: 1) “extend my border,” which is material wealth; 2) “let Your hand be with me,” which is fellowship; 3) “keep me from harm” which is protection; and the 4th is translated differently by my favorite two translations: 4) “keep me from harm so that I will not cause any pain” (HCSB); “keep me from harm that it not pain me” (NASB). Either Jabez is want to escape suffering, or is concerned about causing pain; both fit his profile.
May I suggest the prayer is not as important as the pray-er? Notice how this plea is shaped by life’s realities. Also, the appeal cannot be separated from the character of the man praying. Yes, Jabez exhibits imitable faith and vision. He envisions God as his provider and protector. But did you notice his pain? Can you see that Jabez lives in hurt every day? Daily, Jabez lives verbally reminded that his mother suffered pain…because of him. Every day his name is called, everyone reminds him. Yet neither bitterness nor low self-esteem shapes his disposition and future – he and God does. He is honorable – more so than his brothers. Although honorable, pain permeates his prayer to God. The man whose name sounds like the Hebrew word for “pain,” prayed he would not suffer pain or cause pain. While I might be reading between the lines too much, I doubt it. Look at the facts: his name means pain, and he prays not to be in pain or cause pain. Pain, grief, and sorrow are part of his life, yet do not control him. He lives in honor.
Prayer Challenge: Parents, pray to be careful what we say around our children. We can cause them pain. Children, pray we don’t let our parents’ mistakes shape our lives. Finally, pray to accept the responsibility of Jabez if it is God’s will.
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