When Jabez prayed for God to expand his territory was he asking for wealth or something else?

 

 

Following the publication of his book, The Prayer of Jabez, Bruce Wilkinson noted a concern.  Many who read the book misunderstood the intentions of Jabez’ prayer because of three words:  “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and ENLARGE MY TERRITORY…” (1 Chronicles 4:10, NKJV).  Enlarge my territory became understood as, “Grant me more wealth” or “Expand my power” or “Make me a success.”  Sadly, Jabez’ prayer became the mantra for those who espouse a “Prosperity Theology.”

 

To compound the public’s sense of confusion, the word indeed in Hebrew indicates an emphasis on excess.  Indeed is a word that takes the place of five exclamation marks.  To include the word, indeed, in Jabez’ prayer is a way of saying, “Lord, I want to be really rich.  I ask that you make me exceedingly powerful.  I want to be numero uno.”  Sadly, the misinterpretation of this simple prayer fed our human appetite for materialism.

 

Yet Wilkinson pushed against this false doctrine by claiming that the true intent of Jabez’ prayer revolves around one’s request of God for greater influence.  The blessing that Jabez was seeking is the increased capacity to bless others.  To be certain, God may increase one’s ability to make money or gain notoriety or enhance one’s social standing yet always for the purpose of sharing these gifts with the rest of the world.

Huffpost recently reported the selfless actions of Pearlie Mae Smith and her children.  The Trenton, New Jersey family won the Powerball jackpot of $429 million last year.  After paying off some bills, student loans, and mortgages, Pearlie and her seven children set up a foundation in the family name.  The foundation provides financial support to education and community development for families and children who live in Trenton. Valerie Arthur, one of Pearlie Mae’s daughters said, “I could have gotten a yacht and never come back, but we just have a heart and mind to do this work.  It’s a blessing to have the ability to do whatever you want to do in this life and yet you choose to come and help somebody else — that right there is divine intervention.”

 

My hunch is that Jabez is somewhere in heaven smiling down upon the Smith family today.  God enlarged their territory and they have extended their God-given winnings to bless their community.  O Lord, that you may bless more people like the Smith’s, indeed!!!!!