Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Chronicles 4:10
And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep [me] from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
10. my coast ] R.V. my border.
that thou wouldest keep me from evil ] Lit. that thou wouldest make from evil. Most probably the Heb. text is defective here, one or two words having fallen out, and we should supply the gap somewhat as follows, that thorn wouldest make [ room (merbh) for me, and wouldest redeem (phdth) me ] from evil.
that it may not grieve me ] R.V. that it be not to my sorrow; cp. last note.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Jabez called on the God of Israel, when he was undertaking some great and dangerous service.
Oh that thou wouldst bless me indeed. I trust not to my own or peoples valour, but only to thy blessing and help.
Enlarge my coast; drive out these wicked and cursed Canaanites, whom thou hast commanded us to root out, and therefore I justly beg and expect thy blessing in the execution of thy command.
That thine hand might be with me, to protect and strengthen me against my adversaries.
That thou wouldst keep me from evil, or work with (for so the Hebrew prefix mem is sometimes used, as Son 1:2; 3:9; Isa 5:7,8), i.e. so-restrain and govern it.
That it may not grieve me; that it may not oppress and overcome me, which will be very grievous to me. The consequent put for the antecedent; and more is understood than is expressed. He useth this expression in allusion to his name, which signifies grief: q.d. Lord, let me not have that grief which my name implies, and which my sin deserves.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
10. God granted him that which herequestedWhatever was the kind of undertaking which roused hisanxieties, Jabez enjoyed a remarkable degree of prosperity, and God,in this instance, proved that He was not only the hearer, but theanswerer of prayer.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And Jabez called on the God of Israel,…. Or prayed to him, as the Targum; though some understand it as a vow, promising what he would do if God would do thus and thus for him; the Syriac and Arabic versions read in the third person, taking it to be what others, his parents and friends, wished for him,
let him bless thee,…. but they are doubtless his own words, and a supplication of his to the Lord:
saying, oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed; the Targum adds, with children; but he no doubt prayed for greater blessings than any outward or temporal ones are, even spiritual blessings, covenant blessings, the sure mercies of David, which are solid, substantial, durable, and irreversible:
and enlarge my coast; the Targum is,
“multiply my borders with disciples.”
It may be understood of an enlargement of the borders of his country, by expelling the Canaanites that might dwell in it, and of an increase of his worldly substance for good ends and purposes; or rather of a spiritual enlargement by deliverance from spiritual enemies, and of grace as to exercise; and particularly of spiritual light and knowledge, and of the affections and desires of the soul after divine things, see Ps 4:1
and that thine hand might be with me; the Targum adds, in business, prospering and succeeding him; the sense may be, that his hand of providence might be with him to protect him, of grace and love to comfort and help him in every time of need, of wisdom to direct him, and of power to keep him:
and that thou wouldest keep me from evil; from the evil of affliction, and especially from the evil of sin, and from the evil one, Satan, and from all evil men and evil company; the Targum is,
“and make me companions such as I am:”
that it may not grieve me; alluding to his name Jabez, which he had from the sorrow and grief of his mother; and nothing is more grieving to a good man than the evil of sin, so contrary to the nature and will of God, being committed against a God of infinite love, grace, and mercy, whereby the name, ways, and truths of Christ are dishonoured, and the Spirit of God grieved, and saints are bereaved of much comfort; and therefore desire to be kept from it, knowing they cannot keep themselves, but the Lord can and will, at least from the tyranny of it, and destruction by it: the Targum is,
“lest the evil figment (or corruption of nature) should move or provoke me:”
and God granted him that which he requested; as he does whatever is asked in faith, according to his will, and will make for his glory, and the good of his people; see 1Jo 5:14.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(10) Jabez called on the God of Israel.Comp. Jacobs vow at Bethel, Gen. 28:20-22, and his altar, El-eloh Israel, El is the God of Israel, Gen. 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 without (Heb. away from) evil, that I suffer not !The prayer is expressed in the form of a condition, with the consequence (then will I serve thee, comp. Gen. 28:22) suppressed.
The name Jabez is twice explained; in 1Ch. 4:9 it is made to mean he paineth, in 1Ch. 4:10 Jabez prays to be saved from pain. Comp. the frequent allusions in the book of Gen. to the meaning of the name Isaac (Yihq, he laugheth); Gen. 17:17, Abrahams daughter; 1Ch. 18:12, Sarahs incredulous laughter; 1Ch. 21:6, Sarahs joy at the birth; 1Ch. 26:8, Isaacs own mirth. These features of likeness to the language and thought of Genesis, prove the originality and antiquity of the section.
And God granted.Literally, and God brought (caused to come). Hence Jabez was honoured above his brethren, 1Ch. 4:9. If the Sopherim of Jabez (1Ch. 2:55) were, as their name implies, writers or men of letters, we can understand that Jabez, like Kirjath-sepher, was a place of books, and was honoured accordingly. The art of writing among the peoples of Babylonia ascends to an unknown antiquity. The oldest inscription we possess in the Phoenician character is of the ninth century B.C., and the development of that character from its Egyptian prototype must have occupied some centuries. Perhaps this very tradition concerning their founder originally emanated from the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
THE PRAYER OF JABEZ
1Ch 4:10. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
REMARKABLE is the honour which God puts upon prayer, and numberless are the instances which are recorded of its efficacy. Jabez is here mentioned in a long catalogue of names; but while the names only of others are recorded, he is particularly noticed: he is even declared to have been more honourable than all his brethren. This distinction indeed might be given him on account of his primogeniture, but it was certainly still more due on account of his piety; like the patriarch Jacob, he wrestled with God, and prevailed
I.
The prayer he offered,
1.
The subject-matter of it
[In its primary sense it evidently related to temporal blessings. God had promised his people an inheritance in Canaan, but they were not able of themselves to drive out the inhabitants. Jabez therefore, sensible of his insufficiency, prayed to God for help. He begged for the blessing of God upon his own endeavours: he desired to be preserved from the dangers to which his military exploits would expose him; and to have, through the divine interposition, an enlarged inheritance in the promised land. These requests he urged with a significant and earnest plea [Note: Almost all Hebrew names had some peculiar signification. Jabez signifies sorrow: the name was given him in remembrance of the unusual sorrows his mother endured in childbirth. And it was in reference to this that he deprecated the evils to which he was exposed; Keep me, &c. lest I be Jabez in my experience, as well as in my name.].
But there is reason to think it had also a spiritual meaning. The earthly Canaan was typical of the heavenly kingdom. The enemies also that were to be driven out, were typical of the enemies with whom the Christian has to contend. Moreover, the assistance, which God rendered to his people, was intended to shew us what aid we might expect from him. And what evil will a child of God deprecate so much as sin? Surely nothing is so grievous to him as the prevalence of corruption [Note: Rom 7:24.]. Well therefore may Jabez be considered as looking beyond this world, and as imploring a secure possession of his heavenly inheritance.]
2.
The manner in which it was offered
[It is the sentiment, rather than the expression, that gives excellence to prayer; but in both respects we may admire that before us.
It was humble. He felt his entire dependence upon the power and grace of God. This is intimated not merely in the petitions offered, but in the very manner in which they were offeredOh that, &c. Such humility is absolutely necessary to render prayer acceptable. The more we abase ourselves, the more will God exalt us. Let this be remembered in all our addresses at the throne of grace.
It was importunate. He enforced his request with a very earnest plea. Nor, in reference to sin, could any plea be more proper for him. But we may also properly deprecate sin as grievous to our souls. Yea, a disposition to do this is both an evidence of our sincerity, and a pledge of the divine acceptance.
It was believing. The title, by which he addressed the Deity, argued his faith in God. It expressed a confidence in God as the hearer of prayer [Note: Gen 32:28.]. It is in this way that we also should approach the Deity. Without such faith our petitions will have but little effect; but with it, they shall never go forth in vain [Note: Mar 11:24.].]
Prayer possessing such qualities could not fail of success:
II.
The success with which it was attended
We have no detailed account of Gods kindness towards him, but we are informed that God granted him all that he requested, and this speaks loudly to us
It shews us,
1.
That we ought to spread all our wants before God in prayer
[We have seen how comprehensive the prayer of Jabez was. And ours also should include our every want, temporal, spiritual, and eternal. There is nothing so great, but we are at liberty to ask it; nor any thing so small, but we must acknowledge our entire dependence on God for it. In fact, there is nothing great or small, either before God, or in reference to ourselves: for, as all things are alike easy to him, who formed the universe by his word, and watches over the very hairs of our heads, so there is nothing, however minute, which may not prove of the utmost possible importance to us, as every part of the inspired volume attests. The direction of God to us is, In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God [Note: Php 4:6.].]
2.
We should urge our petitions with an importunity that will take no denial
[So did Jacob; I will not let thee go, except thou bless me [Note: Gen 32:26.]. And so it should be with us. We have, in fact, a better plea than Jabez was able to offer. We may go in the name of Jesus Christ, and plead all that he has done or suffered for us. We may look to him as our Advocate with the Father, and assure ourselves of the acceptance both of our persons and our prayers through his continued mediation and all-prevailing intercession. The conduct or King Joash should be a warning to us. The Prophet Elisha told him that he should smite the Syrians who had sorely oppressed the whole Jewish people: and he bade him to smite the ground with the arrows which he had in his hand, and thereby to express the desires and expectations which he felt in reference to this great event. The king smote the ground only thrice, when he should have smitten it five or six times; and thus by his own want of zeal he restrained the exertions of Almighty God in his favour [Note: 2 Kings 13:29.]. And thus it is that we act. If we were more earnest in our desires, and more enlarged in our expectations from God, there would be no bounds to the mercy which God would exercise towards us. We are not straitened in him, but in our own bowels. Were we to open our mouth ever so wide, he would fill it [Note: Psa 81:10.]. We might ask what we would, and it should be done unto us [Note: Joh 14:13-14.].]
3.
We should ask in faith nothing doubting
[A doubting mind will rob us of all blessings, and make our most urgent prayers of no effect [Note: Jam 1:6-7.]. We must believe not only that God is, but that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him [Note: Heb 11:6.]. Yea, we must believe that we do receive in order that we may receive. And according to our faith it shall be done unto us. In fact, there is a kind of omnipotence in the prayer of faith, and, if I may so speak, God himself cannot, I may surely say, will not, reject it. He speaks as if it had a commanding power [Note: Isa 45:22.]. Of course, this idea must not be pressed too far: but we are sure that, as God never did, so he never will, say to any of the seed of Jacob, Seek ye my face in vain.]
Application
[Is there then any Jabez, any son of sorrow, here? Go to God, the God of Israel, and say, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed! Let me be strengthened by thee for all my spiritual conflicts. Let mine enemies, my indwelling corruptions, be slain before me. And let me be put into full possession of the heavenly Canaan, where I shall rest from my labours, and be for ever happy in the bosom of my God. Then, brethren, shall your every request come up with acceptance before God, and return in blessings upon you to the full extent of your necessities.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
1Ch 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep [me] from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
Ver. 10. And Jabez called on the God of Israel. ] Upon the point of some warlike exploit: or in some great exigency. And hence he was “more honourable”; 1Ch 4:9 he prayed earnestly, and sped accordingly.
Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed.
And enlarge my coast.
And that thine hand might be with me.
“ Una est in trepida mihi re medicina, Iehovae
Cot patrium, os verax, omnipotensque manus. ”
And that thou wouldest keep me from evil.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
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 Gen 32:28; Gen 43:6; Gen 45:26, Gen 45:28.
coast = border or boundary.
grieve = pain. Note Figure of speech Aposiopesis. App-6. No conclusion to his prayer.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
called: 1Ch 16:8, Gen 12:8, Job 12:4, Psa 55:16, Psa 99:6, Psa 116:2-4, Jer 33:3, Rom 10:12-14, 1Co 1:2
the God: Gen 32:28, Gen 33:20, 1Sa 1:17, Isa 41:17
Oh that: etc. Heb. If thou wilt, etc. Luk 19:42
bless me: Gen 12:2, Gen 32:26, Psa 72:17, Act 3:26, Eph 1:3
enlarge: Jos 17:14-18, Jdg 1:27-36, Pro 10:22
thine hand: Psa 119:173, Isa 41:10, Joh 10:28
that thou: Gen 48:16, Pro 30:8, Mat 6:13, Rom 12:9, Rom 16:19, 2Ti 4:18
keep me: Heb. do me
that it may: Psa 32:3, Psa 32:4, Psa 51:8, Psa 51:12, Mat 26:75, Joh 21:17, 2Co 2:1-7, Eph 4:30, Rev 3:19
God granted: 1Ki 3:7-13, Job 22:27, Job 22:28, Psa 21:4, Psa 65:2, Psa 66:19, Psa 66:20, Psa 116:1, Psa 116:2, Mat 7:7-11, Eph 3:20
Reciprocal: Gen 1:28 – General Exo 34:24 – enlarge Num 6:27 – and I will Deu 12:20 – shall Deu 33:20 – Blessed 2Sa 22:20 – brought 2Ki 19:15 – O Lord God 1Ch 2:55 – Jabez Pro 23:25 – and she Luk 22:40 – Pray Joh 17:15 – keep 2Co 13:7 – I pray 2Th 3:3 – and
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ch 4:10. Jabez called on the God of Israel The living and true God, who alone can hear and answer prayer: and in prayer he had an eye to him as the God of Israel, a God in covenant with his people, the God with whom Jacob wrestled and prevailed, and was thence called Israel. Saying, O that thou wouldest bless me indeed! He did not say in what respect he desired God to bless him, but leaves that to God, giving him, as it were, a blank paper, that he might write what he pleased. Spiritual blessings are the best blessings, and those are blessed indeed, who are blessed with them. Gods blessings are real things, and produce real effects. We can but wish a blessing: he commands it. And enlarge my coast Prosper my endeavours for the increase of what has fallen to my lot: drive out these Canaanites, whom thou hast commanded us to root out; and therefore I justly beg and expect thy blessing in the execution of thy command. That thy hand might be with me The prayer of Moses for this tribe of Judah was, that his own hands might be sufficient for him; but Jabez expects not that, unless he have Gods hand with him, and the presence of his power. Gods hand with us to lead, protect, strengthen us, and to work all our works in and for us, is indeed a hand sufficient for us, yea, all-sufficient. And keep me from evil The evil of sin, the evil of trouble; all the evil designs of my enemies, and all disastrous events. That it may not grieve me That it may not oppress and overcome me. He uses this expression in allusion to his name, which signifies grief: as if he had said, Lord, let me not have that grief which my name implies, and which my sin deserves. God granted him that which he requested Prospered him remarkably in his undertakings, in his worldly business, in his conflicts with the Canaanites, and his endeavours after knowledge, and holiness, and other spiritual blessings.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and {d} that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep [me] from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
(d) It is to be understood that then he would accomplish his vow which he made.