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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 7 - Verse 12

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.

Meaning

In 1 Samuel 7:12, Samuel sets up a stone to commemorate a victory over the Philistines. The name of the stone, Ebenezer, means "stone of help." This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and assistance to the Israelites in times of need. It symbolizes the acknowledgment of God's help in the past and a declaration of trust in His continued provision in the future. By setting up the stone and naming it Ebenezer, Samuel was creating a tangible marker for the Israelites to remember and be grateful for God's help. The verse encourages believers to reflect on the ways in which God has helped them in the past and to trust in His continued help and provision in the present and future. It is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and serves as a reminder to always turn to Him for help and guidance in all circumstances.

Theological Overview

In the verse from 1 Samuel 7:12, we see Samuel setting up a stone as a memorial to commemorate the help that the Israelites received from the Lord. This act of setting up a stone and naming it Ebenezer serves as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and protection. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of acknowledging God's role in our lives and remembering His goodness towards us. The word "Ebenezer" itself comes from the Hebrew words 'eben (stone) and ezer (help)', which together mean "stone of help." This word study underscores the significance of this stone in representing the help that the Israelites received from the Lord. It serves as a reminder that our help comes from God alone, and we should always remember His faithfulness in times of need. By setting up the stone and naming it Ebenezer, Samuel is teaching the Israelites to acknowledge and give thanks for the help that the Lord has provided them with in the past.

American Standard Version

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.
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