The Prayer of Jabez

Text:  1 Chronicles 4:9-10.

Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain."  And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying,  "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!"  So God granted him what he requested.

Introduction

      Bruce Wilkinson’s book, “The Prayer of Jabez,” was on the bestseller list for months – not so much because readers were interested in Jabez but because they wanted to know how to obtain blessings. I have read the book and I can recommend it. I believe the author interpreted the prayer correctly.

However, comments I’ve heard about it make me think other readers missed the point. Some appeared to be looking, primarily, for ways to increase their personal wealth. I don’t think that is what Jabez had in mind. Jabez did seek blessings, and there is nothing inherently wrong with our doing the same. James 4:2 indicates we may not receive things we need without praying for them. Jabez’ prayer was not selfish; it did include a request for material wealth but not entirely for himself. He wanted blessings that would enable him to bless others, and God approved.

Our giving God

Because God has a giving nature He delights in blessing generous people. So if you want His blessings, don’t be selfish. Learn to give generously and cheerfully to meet the needs around you.  2^nd Corinthians 9:6-9 explains why: “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: ‘He has dispersed abroad. He has given to the poor; His righteousness remains forever.’”

Considering the current state of world affairs, and our declining economy, Christians may soon discover sharing to be a practical philosophy as well as a Godly command. Isaiah 32:8 says, “a generous man devises generous things, And by generosity he shall stand.” Perhaps I could paraphrase that statement like this: “If you share, cheerfully and generously, at least with needy Christian friends, perhaps they will reciprocate when you face a need beyond your own ability to supply.”

Anyway if you want to be blessed, learn to be a blessing. Then you will qualify to enjoy the promise of Proverbs 11:25. “The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.” Luke recorded Jesus’ words on the subject: “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38-39).

Jabez

Now let me tell you what I learned by studying about Jabez and his prayer before I read Bruce Wilkinson’s best selling book. The name Jabez appears only four times in the Old Testament.  The three in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 refer to the man in question. Another, in 1 Chronicles 2:55, refers to a dwelling place of the Kenite Clan. Jabez was a member of that clan so the site may have been named for him. Who was Jabez?  He was a descendant of Jacob’s son Judah. Joan Comay's book,  "Who's Who in the Old Testament," calls him "a leader of the tribe of Judah."

Jabez special?

Why was Jabez so special that, as the Bible says,  "God granted him what he requested"? Did the reason include the fact that he was “more honorable than his brothers?” That was the reason given in Verse Nine - but there must have been others as well. We can certainly assume that Jabez did something right; God did answer his prayer. 

Matthew Henry, a Bible commentator from the 17^th century, indicated there was more to this story than meets the eye. The name ‘Jabez’ can mean either ‘to sorrow,’ or ‘to be sorrowful.”  His mother called him Jabez because she bore him in pain. In my opinion, that was a dirty trick.

Undoubtedly, Jabez suffered sorrow of his own simply because of that name. It’s easy to understand his mother’s frustration, of course. Most women do hurt in childbirth, but there is little point in blaming the baby for the mother’s trauma. Her pain ended shortly. Jabez carried a constant reminder of it throughout his life. And his prayer seems to reveal his anxiety lest he hurt someone else, intentionally or otherwise. He did want to be blessed, and he said so. But he did not want blessings at someone else’s expense. In fact, He did not want to burden anyone in any way.

His background

      The name Jabez appears in the Bible only within a genealogy so I searched other genealogies, too, but without reaching many firm conclusions about his family. His mother’s name wasn’t mentioned; we know little, if anything about her. His Father’s name may have been Aharhel. If so, Jabez was Harum’s grandson and Coz’s great-grandson. Check Chapter Four of First Chronicles if you want to know more. Perhaps you can determine exactly where Jabez’ family appeared in the line of Judah’s descendants. However, his genealogy may not be as important as his prayer. What prompted him to pray as he did? What did he hope to obtain from God? And why did God give it to him?

A.     Personal blessings.

            Jabez gave no reason for requesting more territory. Matthew Henry compared him to Solomon, suggesting he wanted to become worth more than he was already - to his family and his to nation. If so, the prayer was not self-oriented and God had good reason to answer as He did. By blessing Jabez, God would enable him to become even more generous himself.

Unanswered prayer

      There are times when Christians don't receive the answers they want to their prayers because their motivation is wrong. James 4:3 speaks to the selfish ones among us in these words, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."

Other types of bad attitudes can also affect answers to prayer. For instance: David said, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Psalm 66:18). And Paul warned “husbands” to “dwell with” their wives “according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”  (1 Peter 3:7).

I don’t believe Jabez was self-centered. I believe he was a giver. Since he did not want to cause anyone pain he would not have acted to rob others of their blessings either. And, in case you hadn’t noticed, the world is full of takers while God is looking mainly for givers. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, He loves and blesses cheerful ones.

His prayer

Now let’s take another look at Jabez’ prayer, in 2^nd Chronicles 4:10: “And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying,  ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’” It seems Jabez wanted at least a three-part blessing, including an “enlarged territory,” “God’s hand with him,” and “being kept from evil so he would not cause pain.”

Part one:  Enlarge my territory

Jabez wanted more of what he had attained up to that point in time. An enlarged territory might include land, power, wealth, or influence. Who among us has not wanted more of each of these things? It's normal for people to desire success. And we should strive to excel in everything we do. Unfortunately, most of us don't seem to know when to quit working to improve our lot and begin to appreciate what we have already. Although Christians should work to better themselves up to a point, several Bible passages warn against being greedy. Hebrews 13:5-6 says, "Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Jesus or Things?

Jesus should be worth more to us than material items. Is that true for you? Surely you wouldn’t want something that might endanger your relationship with Him? If you really believe He is coming back to earth soon, what is the point in amassing things that will only be “burned up” eventually? (2^nd Peter 3:10). Wouldn’t it be better to strive for an eternal “inheritance” that will endure, one that is  “incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,” being “reserved in heaven for you”? (1 Peter 1:4). As Peter suggested, we should “greatly rejoice” in “the genuineness of” our “faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes.” That will “be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1st Peter 1:6-7).

Eternal things

We can begin by storing our treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20) - by using them to build Christ’s kingdom on earth (Proverbs 11:30). Remember, of course, that the essence of God’s kingdom is people. Buildings, organizations, and temporal wealth are not included among the fruit He wants us to accumulate for Him.

On one occasion, Jesus told people who seemed to follow Him primarily because He fed them, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life.” They asked, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?   Jesus answered, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:26-29). If you read that passage in the Amplified Bible you will discover that “believing on” Jesus involves obeying Him, which includes feeding His sheep. (John 21:16-17).

Part two: That Your hand would be with me.

      This is a good request.  Christians have strong precedent for seeking God’s guidance, care and protection continually. Jesus prayer in Matthew 6:13 directs us to seek God’s help daily, saying, "And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one" If you don't pray the Lord's Prayer regularly perhaps you should, hopefully in concert and in agreement with your family. Pay attention as God attempts to answer your prayers. Stay awake spiritually so you can recognize His leading and cooperate.

The Lord’s Prayer

If you aren't familiar with Matthew 6:9-13, read it carefully and think about what it says. “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

      God is a loving Father. Hallow His name. Learn to know, and do His will. Trust Him as your provider. Cooperate as He keeps you from the evil one. Glorify Him with your life and with your thoughts. 1 Peter 5:8 should make us anxious to enjoy God's leading and follow it. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

Part three: Keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.

      Jabez was wise to make this request. If he always avoided causing pain he would have little reason ever to grieve over his actions. Some of the worst pains I've known were mental rather than physical. They did not result from mistreatment by others but from my own actions. I very much regret the distresses I have caused, not only by bad things said and done, but also by good things left undone and good words left unspoken.

Answered prayer

      Perhaps Jabez, who was an Old Testament character, understood some New Testament principles for receiving answers to prayer. First He believed God was able to answer. Second he expected God to answer. Third he knew that asking usually precedes receiving.

Hebrews 11:6 covers the first two principles. It indicates a need for the kind of faith Jabez had in order to pray effectively. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Although the third principle is basic it is ignored by people who hope God will grant their wishes automatically and by people who are too proud to ask.

Have you ever heard the phrase, "God helps those who help themselves?"  That is not a Biblical quote. There is some truth in it. God usually does not do our jobs for us. We can expect Him to listen favorably to our requests when we need His help to do His will.

      Among other things, James 4:2 addresses a need to admit ones lack and ask for God's help: "You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain.  You fight and war.  Yet you do not have because you do not ask." Philippians 4:6-7 adds: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." God is able to “guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” especially when we trust Him without regard to whether He grants or requests.  

B.   A prayer for practical extension.

            The geographical space Jabez' family occupied in Israel was a part of Joshua's allotment to the Tribe of Judah.  If Jabez hoped for more, and could not have bought it from his relatives, he would have had to take it from the heathens who still lived in Canaan. As you may recall, some members of the Tribe of Dan did that and were not condemned for it. (See Judges 18).

However, Jabez did not want land so much as he wanted to extend his sphere of influence for good - both in Judah and in all of Israel.  According to Matthew Henry, Jewish Historians said Jabez was a Doctor of the Law who taught in the city that was named for him. Supposedly His clan consisted entirely of Scribes and teachers. So his lifestyle was as important as his message. Perhaps some of his relatives were not as principled? Verse Nine of our text says he “was more honorable than his brethren.”  Anyway, Jabez’ idea was a good one. You and I must be believable witnesses too. Who will believe we belong to Jesus if we act like the devil?

C.   A prayer for providential direction.

            If Jabez' intentions were honorable he would not have asked God to bless questionable activities, and neither should we. When we discover what God wants us to do, and how He wants us to do it, we can be reasonably sure our obedience will bring His blessings.

The best thing we can do for ourselves is to seek to know God’s will. Doing so can save lots of lost motion and wasted effort. When Jesus prayed He always asked for God's will to be done, regardless of his own desires.  Reviewing the Lord’s Prayer daily can remind us to do the same.

D.  A prayer for perpetual protection.

            Jabez asked God to keep him from evil in order to spare him grief.  But I think he was as anxious to avoid causing pain as he was to avoid having to bear it.

Have you noticed how some people live up to the names given them at birth? Parents who are aware of that phenomenon are careful about choosing names for their offspring. Jabez received a name that predisposed him to the kind of problems he wanted to avoid. His name meant ‘sorrow’ and sorrow was something he was anxious not to cause any one.

When you were reborn spiritually you received a new name, one God will reveal to you in heaven. (Revelation 2:17 & 3:12). In the mean time you have another name you weren’t born with originally. That name is ‘Christian.’ It describes you as  "like Christ." Is the description accurate?  If not, examine your relationship with Jesus. Is He your Lord? Are you anxious to please Him in all things, regardless of the cost to you? It’s terrible when a "Christian" is so bad he encourages other people not to be like himself. May God keep us from that awful sin.

Secret

The secret to using Jabez’ prayer successfully depends on a good relationship with God. What are your motives? How do you plan to use the blessings” If He makes you wealthy will you use your resources as He directs? Remember the promise of Proverbs 11:25  “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”

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David E. Beneze, 1006 Fairview Ave., Canon City, CO. Written 12/7/1980 in Rapid City. See outline # 48 on page 29 of Ian Macphersons “Bible Sermon Outlines.” Latest revision 03/03/2007.