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In this
chapter we have a further account of Judah, the most numerous
and most famous of all the tribes; also an account of Simeon.
The most remarkable person in this chapter is Jabez. We
are not told upon what account Jabez was more honorable than
his brethren; but we find that he was a praying man. The
way to be truly great, is to seek to do God's will, and to
pray earnestly. Here is the prayer he made. Jabez
prayed to the living and true God, who alone can hear and
answer prayer; and, in prayer he regarded him as a God in
covenant with his people.
He does not
express his promise, but leaves it to be understood; he was
afraid to promise in his own strength, and resolved to devote
himself entirely to God. Lord, if thou wilt bless me and
keep me, do what thou wilt with me; I will be at thy command
and disposal for ever. As the text reads it, this was
the language of a most ardent and affectionate desire, Oh that
You would bless me!
Four things
Jabez prayed for.
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That God
would bless him indeed. Spiritual blessings are the best
blessings: God's blessings are real things, and produce
real effects.
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That He
would enlarge his coast. That God would enlarge our hearts,
and so enlarge our portion in himself, and in the heavenly
Canaan, ought to be our desire and prayer.
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That
God's hand might be with him. God's hand with us, to lead
us, protect us, strengthen us, and to work all our works
in us and for us, is a hand all-sufficient for us.
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That he
would keep him from evil, the evil of sin, the evil of
trouble, all the evil designs of his enemies, that they
might not hurt, nor make him a Jabez indeed, a man of
sorrow.
God granted
that which he requested. God is ever ready to hear prayer: his
ear is not now heavy. |
