1 Chronicles 4

1 Chronicles 4:1-23 contain fragmentary genealogies of the descendants of Judah, which the compiler appends, as a kind of supplement to the previous lists. They are, perhaps, the records of single Jewish families, which had been preserved through all the years of exile, and were gathered up by our author and inserted with his other tables without any attempt at artificial arrangement or explanation.

The account of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 is profoundly interesting and instructive. His connexion with the “families of Aharhel” in the previous verse is uncertain, and his founding the scribe-city called by his name in 1 Chronicles 2:55, is only a rabbinical conjecture, like the identifying him with Othniel, the son of Kenaz. We have here but the fragmentary chronicle of a saintly personage of the ancient time. His name commemorates the sorrow or pains of his mother at his birth, but he was more honourable than his brethren, more famous, more devoted to the God of Israel, perhaps more wealthy and powerful. He is specially honoured and distinguished for his comprehensive prayer. In the midst, perhaps, of surrounding idolatry, he called on the God of Israel. His prayer has four petitions: 1.)

Bless me In his own person, heart, and life, he would have the special benediction of Jehovah. Literally, his words are, O that blessing thou wouldst bless me! This blessing he would realize in answer to the petitions which follow. 2.)

Enlarge my coast Increase my territorial possessions. Perhaps from being a child of sorrow he had been despised by his brethren, and limited in his possessions; and so he looks, not to man, but to God, to extend his borders. 3.)

Thine hand… with me God’s hand is seen and felt in providential interpositions. Thus Jehovah strengthens, encourages, assists. Jabez would have the God of Israel work with him and in his behalf. 4.)

Keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me The Lord’s prayer ends with this same petition, though expressed in slightly different terms. Matthew 6:13; Luke 11:4. Sin and evil are always sure to grieve.