1 Chronicles 4:1-43
Q.1. Why was Jabez singled out for special mention? What clue was given for his spiritual power? What is the lesson? – (1 Chr.4:1-23)
The line of Hur and Asher were here documented (1 Chr.4:1-23). Hur’s firstborn was Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem, which would be the birthplace of Jesus (1 Chr.4:4 c.f. Mic.5:2; Mt.2:5-6). Caleb also was featured (1 Chr.4:15). Some were craftsmen, linen workers, and others were potters (1 Chr.4:14, 21, 23). Jabez was a descendant of Judah. Here the writer added special insights into his life. His name means ‘pain’ because his birth brought more than the usual pain to his mother (1 Chr.4:9). He stood out because of a crisis in which he raised a number of prayer petitions to his God – … (1) Oh that You would bless me indeed … (2) and enlarge my border … (3) and that Your hand might be with me … and (4) that You would keep me from harm … (5) that it may not pain me! (1 Chr.4:10). His prayer revealed the potential value of pain and suffering. It also showed the importance of asking specific prayers. The largeness of his request indicated that Jabez had a high view of God. He recognized that the blessings of his life were in the hands of God. Not surprisingly, this record of Jabez stated that – God granted him what he requested (1 Chr.4:10).
Q.2. What was significant about the descendants of Simeon whose exploits were recorded under the line of Simeon? – (1 Chr.4:24-43)
The historian also unfolded a number of insights about these descendants of Simeon. They were searching for pasture and peace (1 Chr.4:39-41). To gain this peace they had to fight for it. As seen in Paul’s charge to the Philippians – being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace i.e. We must fight not to fight! (Phil4:3). The territory of their hated enemies, the Amalekites, had to be claimed with similar endeavour. Peace and provision do not just fall into our lap (1 Chr.4:41-43).