The Chronicler, amidst a litany of genealogical information, stops to tell a short story about an intriguing man. “And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested” (1 Chr. 4:9-10).
Hebrew parents didn’t flippantly name their children. Names given to children carried significance, and didn’t come from a book of popular baby names. Bible students are familiar with significant names like Isaac, Jacob, Benjamin, and Jesus. Those names carried great importance. Jabez’s name meant “sorrow” or “pain.” Can you imagine naming your child Sorrow? Every time his name would be called it was loaded with pain. Perhaps he was born during a stressful time in his family, or his delivery was painful. Whatever the reason, he was given the name Jabez.
Even though his name meant sorrow, the Chronicler notes that Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. For all one knows Jabez’s honor maybe due to his honorable prayers. Just because Jabez was born in sorrow, doesn’t mean he was going to be characterized by his name. Too many allow their pain and sorrow to become their crutches. They limp through life as victims. Jabez, on the other hand, used his circumstances to pray bold prayers, and the Lord answered them.
Jabez prayed for the Lord to bless him and to enlarge his territory. Some might believe these are superficial requests. But from a man who had only known sorrow and disappoint, who could blame him? His last two requests qualify the first two requests: “that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me.” Jabez didn’t just want to be blessed with material blessings, he wanted to be a better man. A man kept from evil is a blessed man. A man who walks hand in hand with the Lord is a blessed man. Jabez didn’t want to grieve the Lord with evil actions. Jabez’s birth had inadvertently caused grief for his mother. Jabez wasn’t going to allow his life and behavior grieve the Lord. Beloved, that is the description of a blessed man! No wonder the Chronicler stopped to give honor to a man who lived honorably.