4:9, 10 Jabez is remembered for a prayer request rather than a heroic act. In his prayer, he asked God to (1) bless him, (2) help him in his work by extending his lands, (3) be with him in all he did, and (4) keep him from evil and disaster. Jabez acknowledged God as the true center of his life. When we pray for God’s blessing, we should also ask him to take his rightful position as Lord over our work, our family time, and our recreation. Obeying him in daily responsibilities is heroic living.
4:10 Jabez prayed specifically to be protected from evil and disaster. We live in a fallen world filled with sin, and it is important to ask God to keep us safe from the unavoidable evil that comes our way. But we must also avoid evil motives, desires, and actions that begin within us. Therefore, not only must we seek God’s protection from evil, but we must also ask God to guard our thoughts and actions. We can begin to utilize his protection by filling our minds with positive thoughts and attitudes.
4:13 Othniel was Israel’s first judge. He reformed the nation and brought peace to the land. His story is found in Judges 1:9-15 and 3:5-11.
4:15 Caleb was one of the 12 spies sent into the Promised Land by Moses. He and Joshua were the only two among the spies to return with a positive report, believing in God’s promise to help the Israelites conquer the land. Caleb’s story is told in Numbers 13–14 and Joshua 14–15. His profile is found in Numbers 14, p. 295.