Ebenezer   

The Bible says, “And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar. 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.” 1 Samuel 7:7-12 (KJV)

We should retain memories related to the Lord’s goodness and help to our families. These objects then serve to remind us and teach our children, they become family eben-ezers. The word “Eben-ezer” is first used in 1Samuel 4:1 and refers to a city 25 miles northwest of Jerusalem and 10 miles east of the seacoast. In the context of the Philistine War raging at this time, this city was a logical battle site.

But at Eben-ezer a tragedy occurred regarding the Ark of the Covenant. “And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben-ezer unto Ashdod” (5:1-2). God was gracious and allowed the Ark to return (7:1-2) after punishing the Philistines through the Ark (cf. 5-6). Samuel then took the “stone” and set it near Mizpeh 6 miles north of Jerusalem. This large rock became a “war memorial” in a special sense, a reminder of Jehovah’s power in battle.

Does your family need physical reminders pointing to times when “the LORD hath helped us”? Are you searching for ways to pass on to your children or those in your sphere of influence a stability which comes from confidence in God’s providential care? We would be wise to set up, as Samuel did, family Eben-ezers to remind us of God’s grace, power, and love in the battles of life. If nothing else, let the words of the favorite old hymn be such a reminder each time we sing it. 

    Daily Chronological Bible Reading: Genesis 30-31