Why does this genealogy give Jabez extra attention? (1 Chronicles 4:9–10) 9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” 10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.
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I would say that it was because, in contrast to the disobedience to God and the worship of other gods or idols that so often characterized Israel's spiritual life following the period of the patriarchs, Jabez (whose ancestry and subsequent lineage are not even mentioned, and whose name appears only in this passage) stood out (moreso than the other individuals among whom his name appears) as an example of someone who remained faithful to God; whom God rewarded for that faithfulness; and who therefore merited individual mention. He was noted specifically to show to the people of Israel that God honors those who seek Him.
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