1 Chronicles 4

Our Lord was descended from the tribe of Judah. By the end of the book of Genesis the Lord had revealed that this tribe would eventually be the tribe of kings. The details of that promise were given to David, a man chosen by God.

The Chronicler presented the genealogical details of David in the last two chapters. Now he gives us more information about the tribe of Judah and about the tribe of Simeon that existed within the boundaries of Judah's territory.

In a chapter such as this one we look for details that tell us something in addition to the obviously prominent position of Judah in the purposes of the Almighty. We find mention of the town of Bethlehem and we think of our Lord's humble birth there so many centuries after this account was written. We recognize the name of the first judge, Othniel, and his more well-known father-in-law, Caleb, and remember the faithfulness of these warriors during an important juncture in the history of God's people. These names call Judah to take up this tribe's position of divinely-appointed prominence with an obedient devotion to the one true God.

In the midst of this long list of names that are largely unknown to us we are given some details that tell us of the towns and businesses of people that lived their lives upon this earth so many centuries before us. Some were craftsmen, others were linen workers, and others were potters in the king's service. Though their names were recorded in the Scriptures and though they belonged to the most important tribe within God's people, their stories have largely been forgotten upon the earth.

In the midst of these lists of once prominent people and places among the clans of Judah and Simeon we have two striking verses that seem to have little obvious connection with the details that come before and after. They speak to us about a man named Jabez of the tribe of Judah.

Jabez stood out among his brothers despite the fact of his less than promising beginnings. His mother named him after the Hebrew word “pain.” Jabez was “... more honorable than his brothers.” The only reason we are given in this brief account regarding this honor is that Jabez called upon the God of Israel and was heard. What did he ask for? He asked the Lord to overturn the curse implicit in his bad name. He asked for blessing from above and for an expanded territory. He knew that he needed God. He asked the Lord to be with him and to protect him from harm. He asked that his name, Pain, not be an accurate summary of his destiny.

“God granted what he asked.”

Why would these two verses be included in the details of Judah's genealogy? The Chronicler is calling all who would read this account to a new life of true dependance upon Almighty God. He is encouraging humble servants of the Lord, particularly in the tribe of Judah, to ask rightly of the Lord so that they might receive.

Our great God came as the Lion of the tribe of Judah in order to take away our bad name. Jesus took the pain of the curse upon Himself so that we might have the blessing of an indestructible inheritance. He cried out to the Lord with very earnest prayer and He was heard. (Hebrews 5:7) God granted what He asked for in the integrity of His heart and we have been greatly blessed. His territory has been expanded far beyond the borders of Canaan. Even today the Name of Jesus is being lifted up all over the earth.