NOTES for Ch1 4:1-43
After the account of David’s sons, inserted in the middle of the narrative because of its importance, the interrupted chronological sequence resumes, and before us is a list of Judah’s descendants. But the compilers of the genealogy did not limit themselves merely to listing names, and so we read a brief account of Jabez, a man born in pain who nevertheless received God’s blessing. Nothing is said of Jabez’s merits; all we know of him is that, on his own initiative, he boldly called upon the Lord and asked Him to bless him. Here, then, is an example of how the Lord responds to living and active faith.
We also see the occupations and way of life of the people mentioned here. Though veiled by the mists of time, the figures of farmers and herders, rural craftsmen, and bearers of patriarchal customs emerge before us. They are stern and at times cruel, especially when a dispute arises over who is to own the land. In this they are no different from many who, for thousands of years, led a similar way of life throughout the world.
But the Lord had already begun to work mysteriously upon their hearts.