(8) Coz begat Anub.--Coz (thorn) is unknown.

Anub.--LXX., ????. Comp. Anab, (Joshua 11:21; Joshua 15:50), a town in the hill-country near Debir (Kirjathsepher). The word appears to mean "grape-town" so that "Coz begat Anub" reminds us of Matthew 7:16. Comp. Isaiah 5:6; Isaiah 7:23.

Zobebah.--Heb., ha-zobebah, "she that goeth (or floweth) softly." Perhaps so called from a neighbouring brook. Comp. Isaiah 8:6.

The families of Aharhel the son of Harum.--The word Aharhel signifies "behind the rampart;" Harum, "the elevated." Perhaps Harum (? ????) was the citadel of the clans of Aharhel. Notice the expression, "Coz begat the clans of Aharhel son of Harum," which is hardly intelligible if taken literally.

(9?10) And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren.--Jabez (Heb., Ia'bec) was a town of Judah (1Chronicles 2:55), inhabited by certain clans of Sopherim, of the lineage of Salma son of Hur (1Chronicles 2:50; 1Chronicles 2:54-55). This is important, as giving a clue to the connection here, which is by no means clear upon the surface. It seems to prove that 1Chronicles 4:8-10 are to be regarded as part of the list which begins at 1Chronicles 4:5 : we may thus fairly assume, although the chronicler does not expressly state it, that 1Chronicles 4:8 also concerns some clans of the Hurites (or Ash-hurites). Coz is not put into genealogical connection with the other Hurite houses; but it is reasonable to suppose that at the date of the present list the name was well known among the Hurites. "And Coz" may have fallen out of the Heb. text, as the same expression follows immediately (1Chronicles 4:8).

Verse 8. - The link of connection between the persons named in this verse and the tribe of Judah is utterly unknown. The introduction of them, abrupt as it is, is, however, paralleled by many others ira-mediately following in this chapter, as well as elsewhere. Nothing has yet been produced in elucidation of any one of the persons designated by these names, or of their relation to the context.

4:1-43 Genealogies. - In this chapter we have a further account of Judah, the most numerous and most famous of all the tribes; also an account of Simeon. The most remarkable person in this chapter is Jabez. We are not told upon what account Jabez was more honourable than his brethren; but we find that he was a praying man. The way to be truly great, is to seek to do God's will, and to pray earnestly. Here is the prayer he made. Jabez prayed to the living and true God, who alone can hear and answer prayer; and, in prayer he regarded him as a God in covenant with his people. He does not express his promise, but leaves it to be understood; he was afraid to promise in his own strength, and resolved to devote himself entirely to God. Lord, if thou wilt bless me and keep me, do what thou wilt with me; I will be at thy command and disposal for ever. As the text reads it, this was the language of a most ardent and affectionate desire, Oh that thou wouldest bless me! Four things Jabez prayed for. 1. That God would bless him indeed. Spiritual blessings are the best blessings: God's blessings are real things, and produce real effects. 2. That He would enlarge his coast. That God would enlarge our hearts, and so enlarge our portion in himself, and in the heavenly Canaan, ought to be our desire and prayer. 3. That God's hand might be with him. God's hand with us, to lead us, protect us, strengthen us, and to work all our works in us and for us, is a hand all-sufficient for us. 4. That he would keep him from evil, the evil of sin, the evil of trouble, all the evil designs of his enemies, that they might not hurt, nor make him a Jabez indeed, a man of sorrow. God granted that which he requested. God is ever ready to hear prayer: his ear is not now heavy.And Coz,.... Another son of Helah, and brother of the before mentioned:

begat Anub, and Zobebah; of whom we nowhere else read:

and the families of Aharhel, the son of Harum; these were of the posterity of Coz; the Targum is,

"and the family of Aharhel, this is Hur, the firstborn of Miriam;''which is not at all probable.