1 Samuel 7:12

Here in this chapter, Israel’s enemy, the Philistines, hear that Israel is gathered around Mizpah. So the enemy goes up to battle against them. The children of Israel hear of it and they become afraid. They cry out to Samuel and tell him, “Do not cease to cry out to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” If we are familiar with the story, Samuel offers a whole burnt offering to the LORD, cries out to the LORD for Israel, and the LORD answered him. The LORD thundered and the enemy was confused and overcome by Israel.

Samuel then takes a stone and sets it here between Mizpah and Shen and calls its name Ebenezer. The word “Ebenezer” means “stone of help.” This stone was put there to mark where God helped Israel defeat the Philistines. I’m willing to bet that if we all look back at our lives, we probably have a few Ebenezer stones. Stones to show where we cried out to God and God helped us defeat the enemy. It’s always good to remember these victories and hang on to the promise God makes to never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8) especially when you see the enemy drawing near, and you are overwhelmed with fear. Cry out to the Lord and remember those Ebenezer stones that are along the way.

“Thus far the LORD has helped me”

Joshua Navarro