Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
More genealogy...though the editor points out that genealogy will play an important part in proving the messiahship of Christ. So there is a purpose beyond the seemingly endless and tedious family records. Interesting that Noah's son Ham gives rise to the Philistine people that will plague the Jews. Makes you stop to consider that through Noah all of us rise and that we war against brothers.
Tucked into the genealogy is the two-verse story of Jabez. In my time, Jabez has been the popular focus of hot-selling, trendy, name-it-claim-it book called the "Prayer of Jabez." It time with so many lotteries and casinos, instant riches or a shortcut to wealth is always a popular topic.
God granted Jabez's request. But scripture doesn't go on to record how it all turned out for Jabez. I wonder to end up being a blessing or curse?
Lord knows.
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