Jabez’s Prayer to Extend God’s Territory
Text: I Chronicles 4: 9-10
Authorship, Date, Background, and Purpose of Chronicles
- An Ancient tradition ascribes the authorship of Chronicles to Ezra
- A growing consensus dates Chronicles in the latter half of fifth century BC
- Israelites had just returned from exile at the time of writing this book
- The burning issue was the question of continuity with the past
- Is God still in force? Are His covenants still in force?
- The author in his message emphasises on the importance of repentance, obedience, and trust which will yield peace, victory, and prosperity
A Prayer to enlarge his border (v.10)
- Jabez longs for all the blessings God will give him
- If God is to extend our territory, we must do our part
- Enlarging our borders demands VISION (Prov 29:18)
- Enlarging our borders demands FAITH (Matt 17:20)
- Enlarging our borders demands ACTION/WORK (James 2: 14)
A Prayer for the Power of God
- “That thine hand might be with me (v.10)
- Jabez wanted God’s power to enlarge his border
- God’s power comes through prayer
- Jesus started His ministry through fasting and prayer (Matt 4:2)
- Esther fasted and prayed as she planned to save the Jews (Esther 4:16)
- Solomon prayed for God’s wisdom and power before starting his ministry and God blessed him (I Kings 3:7-13)
A Prayer for Purity in Life
- “That Thou would keep me from evil.” (v. 10)
- Jabez saw the danger of falling into sin and its consequences
- The downfall of the nation of Israel
- All our gains and achievements will turn to nothing if we do not stay pure
