1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Jabez being so remarkably spoken of, and his prayer so recorded, and the Lord's gracious answer to it in granting it so striking, demands a more particular attention. Though the birth of Jabez was attended with more than ordinary sorrow to his mother, yet neither is her name, or his father's name, recorded, He is declared to be more honourable than his brethren. And his prayer is evidently a proof of his great piety, for it is a prayer founded in God's covenant love, as the God of Israel. Will it be a violence to truth, or an improper indulgence to fancy, if we consider him as somewhat typical of the Lord Jesus? Was not our Jesus more honourable than his brethren? Was not that Holy One most eminent indeed for piety, who spent whole nights in prayer to his Father? And was not Jesus's desire for the enlargement of his coast, when the heathen by decree were given unto him for an inheritance, and the utmost part of the earth for his possession? Oh, thou sweet and gracious Saviour! why should not every person, and everything, which hath the most distant allusion, by shadow or by word, to thine unequalled glory and honor, be made the means of leading my heart to thee? While I read the history of men, even the most honourable men, I behold nothing perfect, nothing satisfying. But thou, dearest Jesus, hath said, I will cause them that love me to inherit substance, and I will fill their treasures. Proverbs 8:21.