The prayer of Jabez and God's answer

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Between a name index of the Book of Chronicles, there are two luminous Bible verses.

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.”Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (ESV)

A man named Jabez was more respected than his brothers. At his birth, his mother had said, "I bore him in pain," and that is why she named him Jabez.

Jabez lived during the time of the Judges, shortly after the conquest of the land of Canaan. During his childhood, he had often heard about the God of Israel, who had freed his ancestors from slavery, rescued them from powerful enemies, and led them to a land of abundance and prosperity.


1. First request: “Please bless me!”


But Jabez prayed to the God of Israel and cried out, “Please bless me and enlarge my territory!” A longing for fellowship with God, for His nearness, His love, and His action.

This Jabez reminds us of Jacob on his return journey to his homeland. Something troubled him in his heart. How would Esau react when they met? Would everything be alright again? Would he forgive me? He prayed earnestly, from the depths of his heart.

Then a man wrestled with him until daybreak. The stranger said, “Let me go, for daybreak is breaking.” But Jacob answered, “I will not let you go unless you bless me!” And he was blessed. The effect of the blessing is evident in the reconciliation with Esau. And the feared calamity did not occur. God was with him.

Blessing is primarily not about increase, but about transformation.


2. The second request: "Expand my territory!"


Expanding boundaries refers first and foremost to all personal limitations. Certainly, it also encompasses one's entire life—family, tribe, and everyday life.

Boundaries—narrowness, what one limits, confines, or excludes. These experiences are bitter.

Expanding these limitations in times of need and distress. For example, David speaks of his deliverance: From his height, God bowed down to rescue him from the destruction that threatened to engulf him like a tidal wave. He set my feet in a broad place. (Psalm 18:17-20)

Do we also have this need for expansion? Within the family, for understanding, for the knowledge of God's Word—His plan, His will, His guidance.


3. Third request: "Stand by me, let your hand be with me!"


Stand by me! I cannot go a single step alone. Wherever you go and stand, take me with you.

A fulfilled promise! Behold, your king is coming to you, righteous and victorious… According to Zechariah 9:9 (Luther Bible). Jesus is his name.

The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. Psalm 37:39 (ESV)

Stand by me – this concerns us all! Regardless of age, profession, or education. Let us specifically tell the Lord about our needs. Let us express our helplessness. God has all power. With Him, nothing is impossible.

4. Fourth request: "Keep misfortune and pain away from me"


"Keep me from harm and pain!" (1 Chronicles 4:10). Horrors, plagues, tragedies, disasters, etc. Jesus prays to his Father for his disciples:

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. John 17:15 (ESV)

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Matthew 6:13 (ESV)

God's promises:

Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, 
Genesis 28:15a (ESV)

II am with you always, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:20b (ESV)


5. My prayer was answered!

Bless me! Expand my horizons! Stand by me! Keep me from misfortune and pain!

And God granted his request. Jabez became a role model for generations. His life then took an extraordinary turn. The outcome is clearly connected to his prayer. It transformed his life and left an extraordinary legacy in the history books of Israel.

It transforms our lives: “God answers our prayers!”


Author: Edith Waechter
Images: https://pixabay.com/de/

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