The story of Yabez
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Some minor alterations have been made relating to Names and Attributes having been corrected.
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With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Introduction:
As we are looking at
a little known part of the Tanakh, thus let us first look at Divrei HaYamim 1 - 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. (‘MEC’
= ‘mechon-mamre.org’).
I will commence with
the two Hebrew verses, and then the translation of same follows.
וַיְהִי
יַעְבֵּץ, נִכְבָּד
מֵאֶחָיו; וְאִמּוֹ, קָרְאָה
שְׁמוֹ
יַעְבֵּץ
לֵאמֹר, כִּי
יָלַדְתִּי, בְּעֹצֶב
וַיִּקְרָא
יַעְבֵּץ
לֵאלֹהֵי
יִשְׂרָאֵל
לֵאמֹר, אִם-בָּרֵךְ
תְּבָרְכֵנִי
וְהִרְבִּיתָ
אֶת-גְּבוּלִי
וְהָיְתָה
יָדְךָ
עִמִּי, וְעָשִׂיתָ
מֵּרָעָה, לְבִלְתִּי
עָצְבִּי-וַיָּבֵא
אֱלֹהִים, אֵת
אֲשֶׁר-שָׁאָל
“And יַעְבֵּץ – Ya’bez was more honourable than his brethren; and his
mother called his name Yabez, saying: ‘Because I bore
him with pain’. And Yabez called on the אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (God)
of Israel, saying: ‘Oh that Thou wouldest bless me
indeed, and enlarge my border, and that Thy hand might be with me, and that
Thou wouldest work deliverance from evil, that it may
not pain me!’ And אֱלֹהִים granted him
that which he requested”. Divrei HaYamim 1 - 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. (MEC).
What we can
learn from these two verses?:
1... יַעְבֵּץ - Yabez was born out of sorrow or pain.
2... יַעְבֵּץ - Yabez had brothers.
3... יַעְבֵּץ - Yabez was considered “honourable”.
4... יַעְבֵּץ - Yabez’s life, prayer, and request were important enough to be noted in our beloved Tanakh!
However, even though
it was really just that, but if we really study and look at these two verses,
we can learn a a great deal.
And that is precisely what we will do in this study.
Is there a
meaning behind Yabez’s name?:
In our Hebrew culture
names were extremely important, what some might call ‘a big deal’. It implied
of course, what the parents believed the child would become and also their
possible destiny in life. During those times children were named after what
their parents, the mother or the father were experiencing at that time.
However, names were
very important to אֱלֹהִים (God), הוּא בָּרוּךְ - blessed be He. This is why you see Him
change names like that of “Avram” to “Avraham”.
“Neither shall thy name any more be called Avram, but thy name shall be Avraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee”. Bereshit - Genesis 17:5. (MEC).
Let us now look at
the meaning of Yabez’s name in Hebrew; as it
means “he makes sorrowful” or “borne in pain”, with the later being
obviously related to the painful birth.
But we should note
that in this case despite its negative etymology, the name is associated with
positive qualities and is a reminder of how challenges can lead to beautiful
and great outcomes!
It is rather sad that
Yabez’s mother felt that she needed to name her son
with that name. It may well be because she had a difficult labour, and that’s
what gave him that name. It could possibly imply that there was some other kind
of grievance that she experienced outside of the birth pain that caused her to
name him ‘Yabez’. But we never found the actual
reason of same, thus will hold onto the birth situation.
What we do know for a
fact, is that she was so consumed about the birth that she simply labelled her
son ‘sorrow’.
It does amaze me that
this still happens occasionally in this day and age! We get so caught up in the
here and now, often we tend to make hasted decision’s
that can affect both our and other people’s futures.
Let me share some further insights from reading and studying the prayer of Yabez. Here are three keys that are powerful truths, and we can apply this to our lives.
It says clearly that Yabez called out unto יְהוָה - the LORD, and He realized that he was in
need of אֱלֹהִים - God’s intervention.
Let us now
look at three thoughts about this prayer!
1... He knew that
blessing, protection, and increase could only come from אֱלֹהִים, blessed be
He. That on his own he would not prosper. It is obvious from the Scripture that
Yabez somehow understood the truth that אֱלֹהִים
is the one who opens doors, gives favour, provides, and protects.
2... What is really
amazing, and what I love about Yabez, he had an
incredible faith. Therefore He never let his name “sorrow”, his family, or
whatever else was going on in his life to define him! It certainly he did not
let it define his view of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהִים -
The LORD
Elohim, בָּרוּךְ
שֵׁם
קָדוֹשׁוֹ – ‘Baruch Shem
Kadosho’ – ‘Blessed be His Holy Name’
3... Yabez brought it before the Almighty, and he did not just think, “Well, אֱלֹהִים is going to bless me.” He really understood that the power that is available in prayer. He knew that for those desires to come to fulfilment, he needed to call out to אֱלֹהִים and make them known.
I am well aware that we all have times that we really have to bring things
to prayer. Thus, use what is so very necessary in our lives pray and make your
request known! I can tell you from my own experience, that there is power in
prayer! Of course אֱלֹהִים may not always grant everything you ask for, but He will never forsake you
He will never forsake you and He will always provide a way of fulfilling
your needs. Remember, if we live as faithful Hebrews, and live in His will and
always place Him first, He is faithful to answer us.
Yabez understood, that he had to make his
request known, and יְהוָה
אֱלֹהִים -
The
LORD Elohim, ‘Blessed be His Holy Name’ did so beautifully answer him, for He
clearly said:
“And אֱלֹהִים granted him
that which he requested”.
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In Conclusion, a Question to Deepen
the Conversation:
Which part of this Tanach study or possibly a
particular line or statement within it has touched you the most? And
how do you feel about spending more time studying our beloved Tanakh? I pray
that you are doing well as a faithful Hebrew, and אֱלֹהִים - Elohim willing you are upholding
as many as possible of our blessed Mitzvoth’s?
I am well aware that the modern world sadly
contains too many deviations as well as problems that seem to get in the way of our Hebrew lifestyle.
Yet worse than that, these days there are far too many enticements, which can
so easily throw many off track, and
I know that this has happened far too much. Thus, if
there are struggles that are taking place in your life, be it at this or at any
time, I am well aware that sadly it can often have a terrible and a cruel
effect upon your life?
Dear reader, please remember this, pray for
peace and solitude in your life, and then work on keeping as calm as possible
and learn to improve your life, for אֱלֹהִים, בָּרוּךְ
אֱלֹהִים - Bless Elohim, He is always there and
ready to help and guide you!
This site was originally set up for those who
needed to return to our blessed and wonderful faith, thus be wise and work on
your faith and pray at least three times a day, and always seek אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance!
Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be
He, said the following via a number of our prophets...
“Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD
of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. MEC).
And Remember ...
Enjoy your
Sabbath Rest, Shabbat Shalom!
אֲנִי
יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי
לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי
שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ
אוֹתָם
וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ
לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי
וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי
אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם
“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה
(the LORD your God); walk in My statutes,
and keep Mine ordinances, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall
be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - YaHVaH Elohim”. Yechezkel
- Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).
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For our Elohim is the One who gave us our ... Life!
May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom (Peace)
of צְבָאוֹת-
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שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם -
Shalom aleichem -
Peace be with you!
Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
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