Sunday, June 30 – 1 Chronicles 4, 5

1. What were the circumstances of Jabez’s birth? 1 Chronicles 4:9

2. Why did God answer Jabez’s prayer? 1 Chronicles 4:10

3. Why did Reuben lose the birthright blessing that was rightfully his by birth? 1 Chronicles 5:1

4. What privileges did Judah and Joseph receive because of Reuben’s sin? 1 Chronicles 5:2

Commentary and Reflection

Regarding the introduction of the book of 1 Chronicles, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states,

“The book of Chronicles begins abruptly with a list of names, starting with the first man, Adam. No purpose for the giving of this list is stated, but the object was evidently to trace the history of the people of God from the beginning to the downfall of Israel and Judah and the restoration after the Babylonian exile. ” SDA Bible Commentary, 1 Chronicles 1

Regarding the purpose of the genealogical lists that often bore us when reading the Bible, the Bridgeway Bible Commentary states,

“The long lists of names that characterize Chronicles may not make interesting reading for us today, but they were important to the original readers. First, these genealogies proved to those who returned that they were a true continuation of the former kingdom. Second, they indicated who among the people had to carry out various religious duties and who among them were of the royal family of David. The lists recorded the origin and development of each tribe in some detail, so that people would know the tribe to which they belonged.

All the tribes came from a common ancestor, Jacob, and through him from Abraham. Abraham was the true father of the nation and a key figure in God’s purposes for the human race (cf. Gen 12:1-3; 13:14-17; Matt 1:2-16).” Bridgeway Bible Commentary, 1 Chronicles outline “

In 1 Chronicles 4:9, the monotony of the genealogical list is broken to mention Jabez. It doesn’t say much, dedicating only two verses to him, but it seems he was noteworthy or obligatory to mention. The reason given is that Jabez was “more honorable than his brothers.” Brothers does not only refer to his parents’ children but also to his contemporary compatriots.

His birth was complicated for his mother, so they called him Jabez, which in Hebrew means “distress” or “pain.” His parents’ and family’s prayers and vows in these circumstances are not mentioned; nothing else about him is told. He is called “more honorable” because he prayed and for his request. We can infer from his mention here that he was legendary. Scripture expositors through the ages have been inspired by his prayer. Jabez prayed, “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!” 1 Chronicles 4:10.

His prayer was not selfish in pursuit of power and material prosperity; his request was effective because it aligned with The Lord’s purpose and plan for his people. We can learn from Jabez that when we ask for The Lord’s hand to be with us in pursuing His purpose and to be delivered from evil, He will certainly hear our prayer, and we will be blessed especially and notably, enough to warrant a pause in the mention of our lineage.

In 1 Chronicles 4:39, the Simeonites are also mentioned as blessed by expanding their territory according to The Lord’s command.

The genealogical list pauses again in 1 Chronicles 5:1-2, this time to mention Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob. His grievous sin was forgiven, but he still suffered the consequences of losing the benefits of his birthright.

“As the first-bom, Reuben should have appeared first in the genealogical list. But that place went to Judah…. Although Joseph received a double portion, the chief blessings among the sons of Jacob went to Judah.” SDA Bible Commentary, 1 Chronicles 5:1, 2

May we be inspired today to pray and act according to God’s plan.