December 2023

What Does “Ebenezer” Mean?

The word Ebenezer comes from the Hebrew phrase Eben Ha-Ezer, which means “stone of help.” It appears in 1 Samuel 7:12, where the prophet Samuel sets up a stone to remember how God had delivered Israel from their enemies.

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, ‘Till now the Lord has helped us.’”
(1 Samuel 7:12, ESV)

The Background: Israel’s Cry for Help

During this time in Israel’s history, the people had strayed from God and were suffering under the oppression of the Philistines. In repentance, they turned back to God, and under Samuel’s leadership, began to seek Him again.

As they gathered to worship and confess their sins (1 Samuel 7:6), the Philistines launched an attack. Terrified, the Israelites pleaded with Samuel:

“Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.”
(1 Samuel 7:8, ESV)

Samuel interceded by offering a burnt offering, and the Lord responded supernaturally:

“But the Lord thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel.”
(1 Samuel 7:10, ESV)

This divine thunder wasn’t just noise—it was God’s power at work, protecting His people. The battle was won not by Israel’s strength but by God’s intervention.

Why a Stone? Why the Name “Ebenezer”?

After the victory, Samuel set up a stone as a memorial, naming it Ebenezer. This wasn’t a random object. In biblical theology, stones often symbolize permanence, strength, and divine revelation.

Most importantly, Samuel wasn’t just thanking God for a single event. By saying, “Till now the Lord has helped us,” he was acknowledging God’s continual faithfulness—past, present, and future.

Theologically, this also points forward to Christ, the ultimate “stone of help”:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
(Romans 9:33, ESV; quoting Isaiah 28:16)

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
(Psalm 118:22, ESV; quoted in Matthew 21:42)

Jesus Christ is our Cornerstone, our Rock, and our deliverer—the one who helps us in every season of life. Just like the Israelites were helpless without God, so are we without Christ.

Why Did Samuel Say “Till Now”?

The phrase “till now” (or “thus far” in some translations) reminds us that God’s help is ongoing. Samuel wasn’t limiting God’s help to the past; he was declaring that God had been faithful up to that point and would continue to be.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
(Hebrews 13:8, ESV)

This speaks to God’s unchanging nature. If He was faithful then, He will be faithful now—and in the future.

So, What Does This Mean for Us Today?

If you are in Christ, then you have a sure foundation. Like the Israelites, we face battles—spiritual, emotional, even physical—but Jesus is our help.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
(Psalm 46:1, ESV)

Our modern-day “Ebenezer” is not a stone on the ground—it’s the faith we place in Jesus Christ, who stands with us in every season.

Is Jesus Your Ebenezer?

Can you look at your life and say, “Till now, the Lord has helped me”?
If not, today is the day to begin a new journey with Him.

Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him (Matthew 11:28). If you’re ready to turn to Him, pray from your heart, ask Him to forgive your sins, and surrender your life to Him. He will become your Rock, your Ebenezer, your eternal help.

Title December 2023