Bible study · 1 Chronicles 4:1-43
1 Chronicles 4: Jabez called on the God of Israel
Read 1 Chronicles 4:1-43 before you meet.
In a few lines
The word "God" first comes in 1 Chronicles in a prayer in the middle of Judah's names. Jabez, named for his mother's sorrow (4:9), asks the God of Israel to bless him and keep him from evil, "that I may not cause pain!", and "God granted him that which he requested" (4:10).
The verse to carry
“Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border! May your hand be with me, and may you keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” God granted him that which he requested.”
1 Chronicles 4:10
To talk about
1. Jabez "called on the God of Israel" and told him plainly what he wanted (4:10). What keeps you from asking God plainly for what you want? What would you ask for this week?
2. Jabez was named for his mother's sorrow (4:9), and he asked God to keep him from evil, "that I may not cause pain" (4:10). Where are you most likely to cause pain to someone else, and what would it look like to ask God's help there?
3. The chapter remembers some families by their work: craftsmen (4:14), workers of fine linen (4:21), potters who lived "with the king for his work" (4:23). What work fills your week, and how do you think God sees it?