more honourable. Perhaps his going up with Caleb and Othniel against the Canaanites is referred to. See Judges 1:2 , Judges 1:4 , Judges 1:9-15 .Joshua 15:13-19 . Jabez. The transposition of letters in Hebrew may intimate a change of experiences, and mean "may he have pain or grief reversed. " with sorrow. Compare Genesis 3:16 (same word). read more
the God of Israel (Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 ). A suitable title and prayer before going on the expedition. Israel. The nation as descended from him for whom God orders all. See notes on Genesis 32:28 ; Genesis 43:6 ; Genesis 45:26 , Genesis 45:28 . coast = border or boundary. grieve = pa i n. Note Figure of speech Aposiopesis. App-6 . No conclusion to his prayer. read more
9, 10. Jabez—was, as many think, the son of Coz, or Kenaz, and is here eulogized for his sincere and fervent piety, as well, perhaps, as for some public and patriotic works which he performed. The Jewish writers affirm that he was an eminent doctor in the law, whose reputation drew so many scribes around him that a town was called by his name ( :-); and to the piety of his character this passage bears ample testimony. The memory of the critical circumstances which marked his birth was... read more
10. God granted him that which he requested—Whatever was the kind of undertaking which roused his anxieties, Jabez enjoyed a remarkable degree of prosperity, and God, in this instance, proved that He was not only the hearer, but the answerer of prayer. read more
1. The family of Judah 4:1-23Jacob prophesied that his fourth son, Judah, would become the leader of the Israelites. Through him God would provide the greatest promised blessing to come (Genesis 49:8-12). The Davidic dynasty was one branch of Jacob’s descendants, so the writer had special interest in Judah."Many unrelated fragments have been brought together here in the interests of completeness." [Note: Williamson, p. 58.] Jabez’s prayer (1 Chronicles 4:10) shows that prayer and a... read more
B. The House of Israel chs. 4-7The writer’s next concern was to trace the line of people to whom and through whom God promised to bring blessing and salvation. That nation was Israel, the descendants of Jacob. The writer viewed Israel as consisting of 12 tribes, not just the tribes represented by the returnees from Babylonian exile. The nation as a whole would have a future. [Note: See Howard, pp. 253-56, for a discussion of the Chronicler’s concern to demonstrate the unity of all the... read more
Genealogies (continued)This chapter enumerates further descendants of Judah, and the descendants of Simeon.1. Sons] rather, ’descendants.’ Carmi] probably an accidental substitution (from 1 Chronicles 5:3) for Chelubai or Caleb: see 1 Chronicles 2:9, 1 Chronicles 2:18. 2. Reaiah] the Haroeh of 1 Chronicles 2:52, whence the posterity of Shobal is continued.9. And his mother.. sorrow] better,’ though his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow’ (Heb. ozeb). The sorrow... read more
(9) More honourable than his brethren.—Comp. what is said of Hamor son of Shechem in Genesis 34:19.His brethren.—Perhaps the sons of Coz. The form of the Hebrew verb implies connection with 1 Chronicles 4:8.His mother called his name . . .—Comp. Genesis 29:32-35, and especially Genesis 35:18.With sorrow.—Rather, pain. read more
(10) Jabez called on the God of Israel.—Comp. Jacob’s vow at Bethel, Genesis 28:20-22, and his altar, El-’elohë Israel, “El is the God of Israel,” Genesis 33:20. Some have supposed that the peculiar phrase, “God of Israel,” indicates that the original Canaanite population of Jabez proselytised.Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed.—Literally, “if indeed thou wilt bless me.”My coast.—My border or domain (fines).And that thine hand.—Rather, and if thine hand will be with me, and thou wilt deal... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Chronicles 4:1-43
Descendants of Judah and Simeon (2:1-4:43)Having listed the children of Jacob (Israel) starting with the eldest son Reuben, the writer immediately turns his attention to the tribe of Judah, the tribe that produced the dynasty of David (2:1-17). He traces the line of David first, then goes back to deal with a number of other important people in Judah and lists their descendants (18-55). On completing this, he returns to list the family of David (3:1-9), the descendants of David who reigned after... read more