Jabez: Conceived In Pain, Delivered In Victory

Jabez, Ha-gadol, and one of the Levites travel to Gibeon to meet with representatives from the tribes of Benjamin, Dan, and Ephraim. Ha-gadol almost starts a war. On the way back to Bethlehem, they are refused entrance to the city of Jebus. That evening, they meet two travelers who bear bad news. How come Jabez is not afraid of the travelers? Why is Mishael so concerned about the water shaft? (Chapters 24 & 25)

The moment of blessing is interrupted. Jabez's nephew and nieces escape certain death. Hananeel's neighbor shares Hananeel's secret. What did Eran do to make Jabez shudder? What finally convinces Jabez he must attend the Council of War? How does Jabez win Ha-gadol's favor? (Chapters 21-23)

The Philistines look upon Israel as an evil man looks on a beautiful, young girl. The Levites of Judah search for a man whom God will use to stand against the Philistines. Jabez seeks help from his brother, Hananeel. Why was Hananeel's wife angry with her husband? How does Jabez respond to the young Levite's questions? (Chapters 18-20)

The guilty one is judged. Dodo recites what he has learned so far. The birth of Elatarah and Elishua. Jabez feels alone; how does God show Jabez his prayer has been heard? (Chapters 15-17)

Jabez and Timnah spend a pleasant afternoon together, but their joy is marred by a hideous discovery. Who has violated the possession of Ahijah? What is the punishment for such a grievous affront to God? (Chapters 12-14)

The fifth, sixth, and seventh days of the wedding feast. Ahijah shares a secret with Jabez, and Gazez looks like he's hiding something. Who does Jabez find behind the veil? (Chapter 11)

The third and fourth days of the wedding feast. Jabez and Timnah exchange words, but why are the wedding guests pleased? (Chapters 9 - 10)

The first and second days of the wedding feast. Jabez learns about Timnah's past. What kind of a man will Jabez be while his bride is suffering? (Chapters 7 - 8)

God accepts the challenge. Jabez encounters a solitary traveler in desperate need of a friend. How did the Levite know about Jabez's feelings for Timnah? How could a man without any hope for a future raise the bride-price for his beloved? (Chapters 5 - 6)

We learn how the circumstances of his birth caused his family to reject Jabez. Who stops Jabez's father from killing the boy? What is the significance of the ram's horn? How will God respond to the challenge Jabez lays out? (Chapters 3 - 4)

We meet Jabez, a man in his nineties, who has traveled through the deserts of Judah to tell the story of his life to his great-grandson. Why is Jabez's lineage missing from the Bible, though his prayer is mentioned? How can an impotent man father a child? Why did his mother call him "Jabez", which is the Hebrew word for "pain"? (Prologue, Chapters 1 - 2)