v9-10 Remember all the hype these two verses got a few of years back? Some prosperity-pastors jumped on it and adopted it as a sure way to get health and wealth. They dissected the prayer, put it in modern form, and assigned it as a mantra to their followers. Really? I think the key phrase here is that Jabez was honorable. And he had a prayerful dependence on God. Making this into anything else just seems kind of icky.
v14,21,23 I love these family businesses. There was no such thing as a college education, so these trades, along with their secrets, were passed down through generations. I wonder how much skill has been lost over the years since we don't really do things this way anymore.
v1 Can't remember what Reuben did to lose his birthright? It's gross, but you can find it at Gen 35:22
v2 From Judah came the leader. King David, and later Jesus Christ.
v24-26 Seeking after valor, fame, and power will get you nowhere with God. These things are impressive to men, but if God isn't pleased what is the point? He enabled the king of Assyria to carry them into exile. Their fame and power didn't do them much good after that.
v15 Isn't the wording here interesting? "The Lord carried Judah and Jerusalem away into exile by Nebuchadnezzar." Whether victory or defeat, never forget Who actually holds the power.
Next time:
I Chronicles 7-9