Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 4

Verses 1-43

Here another line from Judah is traced, and must be viewed in the light of the royalty manifest in David. It is the story of the multiplication and settlement of the people who became workers in the great kingdom. Thus we have the descent of such as became workers in fine linen, of the potters, and also of the king's workmen.

Two verses of this section tell the story of one man, and of how he, by prayer and obedience, obtained the favor of God. Incidentally, the story is full of interest. In all likelihood, Jabez was a nephew of Caleb. For some reason his mother had given him this name, which means "bringeth sorrow." Perhaps his knowledge of the meaning of the name had cast a shadow over all his life. Dr. W. E. Barnes says, "The man with the illomened name staved off ill-fortune by his prayer." This would seem to be perfectly correct in the light of the fact that in his prayer he asked "that it be not to my sorrow!"

The chief beauty of the story is its revelation of God's interest in individuals. While through these genealogies, and indeed through all the history, we are occupied with those connected with government and the procession of events leading to universal issues, it is refreshing to be halted by the story of one man who took his need directly to God and obtained the answer of God's grace.