Question: What do we know about the man Jabez (Chronicles I 4:9-10)? What can we learn from him? Christians are making a big deal about him, is there anything to their discussions?

Answer: Jabez is simply a story of human triumph with the help of God. This inspirational story could easily appeal to many religions, since overcoming adversity through prayer to God is a universal theme. I explain the story below using the great Medieval commentator Radak. I supplement with some points of my own and some comments of Rashi.

First, the text of the Biblical verses:
9. And Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him with sorrow.’
10. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!’ And God granted him what he requested.

Firstly, although many commentators say that the above passage is all we know about Jabez, Radak points out that many Biblical people had multiple names. He leaves open the possibility that Jabez was another name for one of the previously listed children.

Additionally, the Bible sees a connection between names and personalities. In a famous passage, Avigayil describes her husband—“He is as his name: His name is Naval [Hebrew for disgusting] and he is a disgusting person.” (Samuel I 25:25).

In our case, Yaaveitz (the the Hebrew word for Jabez) is related to the word “sadness”, and this caused him concern. Would all that he attempted to accomplish be tinged with sadness, and would nothing work out right?

Therefore, Jabez makes a “personal petition to God”—to help him succeed.

In fact, Radak points out that Jabez makes “deal with God”, although it does not explicate his commitment. These “deals” do occur in the Bible. For example, Jacob made a deal with God before going to Laban’s house (Genesis 28:20-22); and the Jews in the desert promised total destruction of an enemy if God helped them defeat the enemy (Numbers 21:02-03)

To recap, Jabez was a person who was concerned that his name would be the harbinger for a difficult, sorrowful life. Therefore, he prayed to God, and “made a deal” with Him. Prayers to God on personal matters occur several times in the Bible.

Consequently, this story has universal, inspirational value. It doesn’t surprise me that other religions are using it. However, you need not go to them for inspiration since our own Jewish commentaries more than amply explain the inspirational value.

In passing: Rashi points out that we infer from this story that “a person who conditionally promises (e.g. charity) should say ‘I will give, without vow’ to avoid the complications of vows.”

I hope you too find this story inspirational and integrate it into your daily life.

Rabbi Azriel Schreiber