1 Samuel 7:12

Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the LORD has helped us."

Study Bible

Afterward, Samuel took a stone
The act of taking a stone signifies a deliberate and intentional action by Samuel, the last judge of Israel and a prophet. In the Hebrew context, stones were often used as memorials or witnesses to significant events (Genesis 28:18, Joshua 4:9). Samuel's choice to use a stone underscores the permanence and solidity of God's intervention in Israel's history. It serves as a tangible reminder of divine faithfulness.

and set it up between Mizpah and Shen
The geographical markers, Mizpah and Shen, are significant in understanding the historical context. Mizpah was a place of gathering and judgment (Judges 20:1), while Shen, though less known, indicates a specific location that would be recognized by the people. By setting the stone between these places, Samuel creates a physical and spiritual landmark, a testament to God's deliverance in a specific historical context.

He named it Ebenezer
The name "Ebenezer" comes from the Hebrew words "Eben" (stone) and "Ezer" (help). This naming is deeply symbolic, as it encapsulates the essence of the event: a stone of help. The name itself becomes a theological statement, a declaration of God's providence and assistance. It is a reminder that God is a present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

saying, 'Thus far the LORD has helped us.'
This phrase is a profound acknowledgment of God's continuous support and intervention. The Hebrew word for "helped" is "azar," which implies assistance and support. The phrase "Thus far" suggests a journey, a narrative of ongoing divine involvement in the life of Israel. It is both a statement of gratitude for past help and a faith-filled anticipation of future guidance. This acknowledgment serves as an inspiration for believers to recognize and remember God's faithfulness in their own lives, encouraging trust and reliance on Him for the future.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
The last judge of Israel, a prophet, and a leader who played a crucial role in the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.

2. Ebenezer
A stone set up by Samuel as a memorial to commemorate the divine assistance provided by God to the Israelites. The name "Ebenezer" means "stone of help" in Hebrew.

3. Mizpah
A significant location in Israel's history, often serving as a gathering place for the Israelites. It was here that Samuel called the people to repentance and where they experienced God's deliverance from the Philistines.

4. Shen
A location mentioned in the context of the setting up of the Ebenezer stone, marking the geographical boundary of God's help.

5. Philistines
A perennial enemy of Israel, whose defeat at this time was a significant turning point for the Israelites, symbolizing God's intervention and protection.

Teaching Points

Acknowledging God's Help
Just as Samuel set up the Ebenezer stone, we should regularly acknowledge and remember the ways God has helped us in our lives. This can be done through journaling, sharing testimonies, or setting up personal reminders of God's faithfulness.

The Importance of Remembrance
Setting up memorials or markers in our spiritual journey helps us to remember God's past faithfulness, which strengthens our faith for future challenges.

Repentance and Deliverance
The context of 1 Samuel 7 shows that Israel's repentance led to God's deliverance. This teaches us the importance of turning back to God and seeking His help in times of trouble.

Community and Leadership
Samuel's leadership and the collective gathering at Mizpah highlight the importance of community and godly leadership in seeking and experiencing God's help.

God's Faithfulness
The phrase "Thus far the LORD has helped us" reminds us that God's faithfulness is ongoing. We can trust Him to continue to help us in the future as He has in the past.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can you set up "Ebenezer stones" in your life to remember God's faithfulness and help?

2. In what ways does the account of Samuel and the Ebenezer stone encourage you to trust God in your current circumstances?

3. How does the concept of repentance leading to deliverance in 1 Samuel 7 apply to your personal spiritual journey?

4. What role does community play in experiencing God's help, as seen in the gathering at Mizpah?

5. How can you apply the lessons of God's past faithfulness to your future challenges, drawing connections to other scriptures like Psalm 121 or Lamentations 3:22-23?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 4
The setting up of stones as a memorial by Joshua after crossing the Jordan River parallels Samuel's setting up of the Ebenezer stone, both serving as reminders of God's faithfulness and deliverance.

Psalm 121
This psalm emphasizes looking to the Lord for help, echoing the sentiment of "Thus far the LORD has helped us" in 1 Samuel 7:12.

Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love and faithfulness of the Lord are highlighted, similar to the acknowledgment of God's help in 1 Samuel 7:12.