Jabez – A prayer Of Victory Over Evil

“Jabez called out to the God of Israel: ‘If only You would bless me, extend my border, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not cause any pain.’ And God granted his request.” 1 Chronicles 4:10 (HCSB)
The name “Jabez” literally means “he inflicts” or “he gives pain.” Pain is intrinsically evil in this world. But it is to be noticed as foreign in itself to the nature of God. All mankind suffers from evil. Suffering, calamity, adversity, disappointment, are the absolute lot of man. Jabez does not pray to be kept from “all” suffering, vicissitude, adversity, disappointment, though doubtless he prayed he be kept from as much of this as possible. It was a prayer for blessing; it was a prayer for strength; it was a prayer for safety and purity; it was a prayer for freedom from sorrow. Jabez acknowledged God as the Source, and God rewarded Jabez — “And God granted his request.”