1 Samuel 7:12

Then Samuel took a stone, and set [it] between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.

Then Samuel {H8050} took {H3947} a {H259} stone {H68}, and set {H7760} it between Mizpeh {H4709} and Shen {H8129}, and called {H7121} the name {H8034} of it Ebenezer {H72}, saying {H559}, Hitherto hath the LORD {H3068} helped {H5826} us.

Sh'mu'el took a stone, placed it between Mitzpah and Shen, and gave it the name Even-'Ezer [stone of help], explaining, "ADONAI has helped us until now."

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.”

Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath Jehovah helped us.

Commentary

1 Samuel 7:12 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, where the prophet and judge Samuel establishes a lasting memorial to commemorate God's miraculous deliverance of His people from the Philistines. This verse highlights the profound significance of remembering God's faithfulness and intervention.

Context

This verse comes after a period of significant national repentance and renewal for Israel. For twenty years, the Israelites had suffered under Philistine oppression, a consequence of their spiritual apostasy (as seen in 1 Samuel 7:2). Samuel called the nation to turn back to the Lord, putting away their idols and serving Him alone (1 Samuel 7:3-4). As they gathered at Mizpeh for prayer and fasting, the Philistines, perceiving a threat, launched an attack. However, as Samuel was offering a burnt offering, the Lord intervened with a mighty thunder against the Philistines, throwing them into confusion and leading to a decisive Israelite victory (1 Samuel 7:10-11). The stone, named Ebenezer, was set up by Samuel to mark the precise spot of this divine intervention, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's "hitherto" help.

Key Themes

  • Divine Help and Providence: The central message is God's active and timely intervention on behalf of His people. The phrase "Hitherto hath the LORD helped us" (Hebrew: 'ad-hen yahweh 'azarānu) acknowledges that God had been their helper up to that very moment, implying His continued faithfulness.
  • Remembrance and Memorials: The stone serves as a physical memorial, emphasizing the biblical importance of remembering God's past acts of deliverance. Such memorials ensured that future generations would know of God's power and faithfulness, much like the stones set up after the crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 4:7).
  • Repentance and Deliverance: The narrative clearly links Israel's national repentance and turning back to God with His subsequent deliverance from their enemies. It illustrates the principle that obedience and seeking God lead to His blessing and protection.
  • Samuel's Leadership: Samuel's actions demonstrate his role as a faithful prophet and judge, guiding the people spiritually and commemorating God's mighty works.

Linguistic Insights

The name Ebenezer (Hebrew: אֶבֶן הָעֵזֶר, 'eben ha-'ezer) literally means "stone of help." This name perfectly encapsulates the purpose of the memorial: to declare that the stone itself was a witness to God's assistance. The phrase "Hitherto hath the LORD helped us" is a powerful declaration of retrospective faith, looking back at a specific point in time and acknowledging God's ongoing, steadfast support up to that very moment. It's a testament to God's continuous provision and protection, not just a one-time event.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Samuel 7:12 offers profound encouragement. We are called to:

  • Remember God's Faithfulness: Just as Israel set up a physical stone, we can create our own "Ebenezer moments" by intentionally recalling and celebrating God's past interventions in our lives. This could involve journaling, sharing testimonies, or simply pausing to give thanks. Remembering His past help strengthens our faith for future challenges, knowing that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
  • Trust in His Ongoing Help: The "hitherto" implies that God's help is not limited to the past but continues into the present and future. This verse encourages us to trust that the God who helped us before will continue to be our helper in all circumstances, serving as our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
  • Acknowledge God's Hand: It's easy to attribute success or deliverance to human effort or chance. This verse reminds us to humbly acknowledge that every blessing and deliverance ultimately comes from the Lord.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 1:10 (37 votes)

    Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];

  • Joshua 4:9 (27 votes)

    And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.

  • Acts 26:22 (24 votes)

    Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

  • Genesis 22:14 (19 votes)

    And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

  • Genesis 35:14 (18 votes)

    And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, [even] a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.

  • 1 Samuel 5:1 (16 votes)

    ¶ And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod.

  • Isaiah 46:3 (14 votes)

    Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne [by me] from the belly, which are carried from the womb: