And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep [me] from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
Ver. 10. And Jabez called on the God of Israel.] Upon the point of some warlike exploit: or in some great exigency. And hence he was "more honourable"; 1Ch 4:9 he prayed earnestly, and sped accordingly.
Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed.] Heb., If blessing thou wilt bless me: q.d., then shalt thou have mine utmost service, and I will wholly devote myself to thy fear. This was to "pray in the Holy Ghost"; this was to do, as afterwards Christ did, who "being in an agony prayed more earnestly." Luk 22:44
And enlarge my coast.] Pray we with like fervency, And enlarge my heart.
And that thine hand might be with me.] He labours in prayer lustily, and followeth his suit close.
“ Una est in trepida mihi re medicina, Iehovae
Cot patrium, os verax, omnipotensque manus. ”
And that thou wouldest keep me from evil. ] Or, Cause that evil grieve me not. He seemeth in this request to allude to his own name, q.d., I have my name from sorrow; but I would not be crushed with sorrow. This might be his prayer to God, even while he was fighting against his enemies.