When you read through 1 Chronicles chapters 3 and 4 you will again find a detailed genealogy. Chapter 3 is devoted to the descendants of David while chapter 4 starts the listing of the genealogies of the tribes of Israel with the descendants of Judah and Simeon. Do you appreciate all the names that are given? Do you care about the names of the people? As I read through all of these names I am amazed at God’s faithfulness. Abraham was given a promise that from his seed he would have descendants numberless as the sand on the seashore. This genealogy is proof again that God will complete the promises he makes to us. Take hope knowing that God never casually gives a promise to us.
Have you heard of the book The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson? I remember reading this book in 2001 when it was first released and I found it really amazing how this random prayer of this man Jabez was found in the middle of 1 Chronicles. I read the book multiple times and enjoyed it greatly as I found encouragement in the prayer Jabez prayed to God. Did I really understand the uniqueness of this mans prayer back in 2001 when I read the book? I honestly didn’t have a solid overall view of the story of the Bible up to and including 1 Chronicles. After I have read through the Old Testament and reflected on each chapter I am even more amazed by the prayer Jabez made. In context to the overall story of the Bible this man was unique in a time when many men were seeking their own desires with little regard for God. Why was his prayer included in 1 Chronicles? Why would the Israelites need to remember this mans story? Was the dependance upon God that Jabez displayed so uncommon within the post exilic Israelite community that he was singled out? It truly is amazing to see this prayer in the midst of all the genealogies of the people of Israel. Take time to read through this wonderful story contained within the Bible and you will be blessed in ways you will never expect.
