OVERVIEW: The descendants of Solomon, Judah, Simeon, Reuben, Gad, Manasseh and Levi; temple singers and keepers appointed; the descendants of Aaron; the cities of the Levites.
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
As we read through what seems to be a never-ending genealogy today, rejoice in the underlying message: God doesn’t view mankind as simply a mass of humanity! He is interested in each individual and knows us all by name! Hallelujah! God takes the time in these chapters to make sure that the name of every single priest and Levite, along with the family and tribe to which he belonged, was specifically registered and mentioned. (Ex. 33:17)
Of particular note in chapter 4 is this man Jabez. God stops when He gets to his name to interject an incredible statement and about him. Verse 9 of chapter 4 says that he “was more honorable than his brethren!” One of the reasons he was “more honorable”, no doubt, is not only the fact THAT he prayed, but HOW he prayed. Our Lord reveals to us in this passage that Jabez had a beautiful fourfold request, and it was of such significance that God chose to record it for us in verse 10:
1) “Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed…”
2) “and enlarge my coast…”
3) “and that thine hand might be with me…”
4) “and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!”
Verse 10 concludes with this monumental statement: “And God granted him that which he requested.” Verse 10 is not held up as a “model prayer” as such, but its content is well worth incorporating into our prayers! It is obvious that Jabez was a man who lived in pursuit of God, and that God rewarded him for it. May God strengthen us to follow his example as we continue the “365 Days of Pursuit!”
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
In the CITIES OF REFUGE – 1 Chronicles 6:57, 67, 69 (To find protection from the avenger of blood, a person had to flee to a city of refuge. Likewise, God provided His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ as the Refuge to whom we must flee to find protection from His judgment against sin — John 3:14–18; 10:24–30; Gal. 2:16; 3:1-14; Heb. 10:1–18; 1 John 2:2; Rev. 1:5; Heb. 6:18)