1 Samuel 7:12
1 Samuel 7:12 in Multiple Translations
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 Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD 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.
Then Samuel took a stone and put it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah, naming it Eben-ezer, and saying, Up to now the Lord has been our help.
After this Samuel took a stone and placed it between Mizpah and Shen. He called it Ebenezer, saying, “The Lord helped us right up to here!”
Then Samuel tooke a stone and pitched it betweene Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name thereof, Eben-ezer, and he sayd, Hitherto hath the Lord holpen vs.
And Samuel taketh a stone, and setteth [it] between Mizpeh and Shen, and calleth its name Eben-Ezer, saying, 'Hitherto hath Jehovah helped us.'
Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “The LORD helped us until now.”
Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
And Samuel took a stone, and laid it between Masphath and Sen: and he called the place, the Stone of help. And he said: Thus far the Lord hath helped us.
After that happened, Samuel took a large stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah towns. He named the stone ‘Ebenezer’, which means ‘stone of help’, because he said “Yahweh has helped us until the present time.”
The Philistia mob ran away and went home. Then Samuel got a big stone, and stood it up half-way between 2 places, Mizpah and Shen, so that everybody will remember the things that happened. And he said, “God was helping us.” So he called the stone Ebenezer. That name means stone that belongs to the one that helps us. The Philistia mob sat quiet for a long time. They didn’t come back to the Israel mob’s country. So God saved them from the Philistia mob for a long time, until Samuel became an old man.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 7:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 7:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
שְׁמוּאֵ֜ל
אֶ֣בֶן
אַחַ֗ת
וַ/יָּ֤שֶׂם
בֵּֽין
הַ/מִּצְפָּה֙
וּ/בֵ֣ין
הַ/שֵּׁ֔ן
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
אֶת
שְׁמָ֖/הּ
אֶ֣בֶן
הָעָ֑זֶר
וַ/יֹּאמַ֕ר
עַד
הֵ֖נָּה
עֲזָרָ֥/נוּ
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁמוּאֵ֜ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
Shemuel
N-proper
אֶ֣בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fs
אַחַ֗ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
וַ/יָּ֤שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בֵּֽין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
הַ/מִּצְפָּה֙
Mitspâh
H4709
Mizpah
Art | N-proper
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
הַ/שֵּׁ֔ן
Shên
H8129
Shen
Art | N-proper
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁמָ֖/הּ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
אֶ֣בֶן
ʼEben hâ-ʻÊzer
H72
Ebenezer
N-proper
הָעָ֑זֶר
ʼEben hâ-ʻÊzer
H72
Ebenezer
N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמַ֕ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
הֵ֖נָּה
hênnâh
H2008
here/thus
Adv
עֲזָרָ֥/נוּ
ʻâzar
H5826
to help
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 7:12
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
שְׁמוּאֵ֜ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
"Shemuel"
N-proper
Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Issachar living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.2; son of: Tola (H8439); brother of: Uzzi (H5813H), Rephaiah (H7509I), Jeriel (H3400), Jahmai (H3181) and Ibsam (H3005) § Samuel = "his name is El" 1) son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David 2) son Ammihud and the prince of the tribe of Simeon who was chosen to divide the land of Canaan between the tribes. Spelled 'Shemuel' 3) son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Spelled 'Shemuel'
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.
אֶ֣בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
אַחַ֗ת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
וַ/יָּ֤שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
בֵּֽין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/מִּצְפָּה֙
Mitspâh
H4709
"Mizpah"
Art | N-proper
Mitspah means watchtower, referring to a place in Palestine near Mount Hermon. It appears in the Bible as a location. The name is associated with a place of observation.
Definition: § Mizpah = "watchtower" a place near Mount Hermon
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Mitspah. (This seems rather to be only an orthographic variation of H4708 (מִצְפֶּה) when 'in pause'.) See also: Genesis 31:49; 1 Samuel 10:17; Jeremiah 40:10.
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/שֵּׁ֔ן
Shên
H8129
"Shen"
Art | N-proper
Shen refers to a place in Palestine, near Mizpah, meaning crag. It appears in the KJV as Shen.
Definition: § Shen = "crag" a place in Palestine evidently somewhere in the neighbourhood of Mizpah
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Shen. See also: 1 Samuel 7:12.
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁמָ֖/הּ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אֶ֣בֶן
ʼEben hâ-ʻÊzer
H72
"Ebenezer"
N-proper
Ebenezer is a place in Palestine where God helped the Israelites defeat the Philistines, marked by a memorial stone erected by Samuel. It means stone of help.
Definition: § Ebenezer = "stone of help" memorial stone erected by Samuel to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines-north of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Ebenezer. See also: 1 Samuel 4:1; 1 Samuel 5:1; 1 Samuel 7:12.
הָעָ֑זֶר
ʼEben hâ-ʻÊzer
H72
"Ebenezer"
N-proper
Ebenezer is a place in Palestine where God helped the Israelites defeat the Philistines, marked by a memorial stone erected by Samuel. It means stone of help.
Definition: § Ebenezer = "stone of help" memorial stone erected by Samuel to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines-north of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Ebenezer. See also: 1 Samuel 4:1; 1 Samuel 5:1; 1 Samuel 7:12.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֕ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הֵ֖נָּה
hênnâh
H2008
"here/thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means a location or direction, like here or there, and can also refer to a point in time, such as now. It is used in various contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'here' or 'hither'.
Definition: here, there, now, hither
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, [phrase] since, this (that) way, thitherward, [phrase] thus far, to...fro, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 15:16; 2 Samuel 20:16; Psalms 71:17.
עֲזָרָ֥/נוּ
ʻâzar
H5826
"to help"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 7:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 7:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 7:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 7:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:12
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 7:12
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 7:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:12
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 7:12
Context — Samuel Subdues the Philistines
10As the Philistines drew near to fight against Israel, Samuel was offering up the burnt offering. But that day the LORD thundered loudly against the Philistines and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel.
11Then the men of Israel charged out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, striking them down all the way to an area below Beth-car.
12Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”
13So the Philistines were subdued, and they stopped invading the territory of Israel. And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14The cities from Ekron to Gath, which the Philistines had taken, were restored to Israel, who also delivered the surrounding territory from the hand of the Philistines. And there was peace between the Israelites and the Amorites.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 1:10 | He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, |
| 2 | Joshua 4:9 | Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, in the place where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant stood. And the stones are there to this day. |
| 3 | Acts 26:22 | But I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen: |
| 4 | Genesis 22:14 | And Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. So to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” |
| 5 | Genesis 35:14 | So Jacob set up a pillar in the place where God had spoken with him—a stone marker—and he poured out a drink offering on it and anointed it with oil. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 5:1 | After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod, |
| 7 | Isaiah 46:3–4 | “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth. Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you. |
| 8 | Genesis 31:45–52 | So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed. Then Laban declared, “This mound is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore the place was called Galeed. It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, “May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.” Laban also said to Jacob, “Here is the mound, and here is the pillar I have set up between you and me. This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this mound to harm you, and you will not go past this mound and pillar to harm me. |
| 9 | Joshua 24:26–27 | Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was near the sanctuary of the LORD. And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.” |
| 10 | Genesis 28:18–19 | Early the next morning, Jacob took the stone that he had placed under his head, and he set it up as a pillar. He poured oil on top of it, and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz. |
1 Samuel 7:12 Summary
In 1 Samuel 7:12, Samuel sets up a stone as a reminder of God's help and provision, naming it Ebenezer, which means 'stone of help'. This stone serves as a memorial to remind the Israelites of God's faithfulness, just like the way God instructed the Israelites to remember His works in Deuteronomy 6:20-25. We can apply this principle in our own lives by setting up our own reminders of God's faithfulness, such as writing down answers to prayer or keeping a journal of God's provision, and using those reminders to encourage and thank God for His love and care, as seen in Psalms 77:10-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the stone Samuel set up in 1 Samuel 7:12?
The stone, named Ebenezer, served as a memorial to remind the Israelites of God's help and provision, as seen in the phrase 'Thus far the LORD has helped us' (1 Samuel 7:12), similar to the way God instructed the Israelites to remember His works in Deuteronomy 6:20-25.
Why did Samuel choose the location between Mizpah and Shen for the stone?
The location between Mizpah and Shen was likely chosen because it marked the spot where the Israelites had just experienced a significant victory over the Philistines, with God's thunder causing the Philistines to flee in 1 Samuel 7:10-11, and it would serve as a constant reminder to the Israelites of God's power and faithfulness.
What does the name Ebenezer mean and why is it significant?
The name Ebenezer means 'stone of help' in Hebrew, and it signifies that God has helped the Israelites thus far, as stated in 1 Samuel 7:12, and will continue to be their helper, as promised in Psalms 121:1-2.
How can we apply the principle of setting up 'Ebenezers' in our own lives?
We can apply this principle by setting up our own reminders of God's faithfulness and help in our lives, such as writing down answers to prayer or keeping a journal of God's provision, as encouraged in Habakkuk 2:2-3 and Psalms 77:10-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have seen God's help and provision in my own life, and how can I remember and celebrate those moments?
- How can I, like Samuel, publicly acknowledge and give thanks for God's faithfulness in my life, as seen in 1 Samuel 7:12?
- What are some 'stones of remembrance' that I can set up in my own life to remind me of God's power and love, such as a prayer journal or a meaningful piece of jewelry?
- In what ways can I use my own experiences of God's help to encourage and remind others of His faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 107:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 7:12
And Samuel took a stone, and set it,.... Not for worship, but as a monument of the victory obtained by the help of God: and this he placed between Mizpeh and Shen; which latter signifies a tooth, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:12
A stone; a rude, unpolished stone, which was not prohibited by that law, , there being no danger of worshipping such a stone, and this being set up only as a monument of the victory. Eben-ezer; by which, compared with , it appears that this victory was gained in or near the very same place where the Israelites received their former fatal loss. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us; He hath begun to help us in some measure, though not completely to deliver us; by which wary expression he exciteth both their thankfulness for their mercy received, and their holy fear and care to please and serve the Lord, that he might proceed to help and deliver them more effectually.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:12
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.Ver. 12. Then Samuel took a stone, and set it.] As a trophy or lasting monument of that day’ s victory. So when the Spanish armada was defeated here in 1588, money was coined with a navy flying away at full sail, and this inscription, Venit, Vidit, Fugit. It came, it saw, it fled. Between Mizpeh and Shen.] Where, before, the Israelites had been beaten, and the ark taken. And called the name of it Ebenezer,] i.e., The stone of help. So the place where Charles the Great vanquished his enemies was called Mons adiutorii, the hill of help Alexander the Great called the mountain where he overcame Darius, Nicatorium, or the place of conquest. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.] And we trust he will do so still; for every former mercy is a pledge of a future. Crantz., Har., lib. ii. cap. 4. Strabo.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:12
(12) Between Mizpeh and Shen.—The situation of Ha-Shen, “The Tooth,” has not yet been identified. It probably denotes a peak or crag, a prominent rock formation, so named, like the modern French dent—a favourite name for a peak in some districts of the Alps and Pyrenees: e.g., Dent du Midi.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:12
Verse 12. Called the name of it Eben-ezer] אבן העזר Eben haezer, "The Stone of Help; " perhaps a pillar is meant by the word stone.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 7:12
12. Eben-ezer] i.e. “The Stone of Help,” a memorial set up between Mizpah and Shen, (in Heb. with the definite article) = “The Tooth,” probably some conspicuous “tooth” or spire of rock. Cp. 1 Samuel 14:4. The exact place is unknown, but “exactly at the spot where twenty years before they had obtained their great victory, the Philistines were totally routed.” [See however Add. Note IX. p. 245. Hitherto, &c.] i.e. Up to this time. The deliverances of the past are a pledge of continued help for the future.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 7:12
Shen was a tooth-pointed or sharp-pointed rock (see 1 Samuel 14:4), nowhere else mentioned and not identified.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:12
12. Shen — This word signifies a tooth, and seems to have been the name of some projecting eminence or rock having the form of a tooth. Its situation is now unknown.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 7:12
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The Trumpet Solo by James A. Stewart | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. He begins by describing how the Midianites, Amalekites, and the children of the East gathered t |
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Ebenezer - Part 1 by Ric Vargas | Ric Vargas preaches about the significance of remembering God's help through the concept of Ebenezer, emphasizing the importance of worship and personal revival. He encourages beli |
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Ebenezer - Part 2 by Ric Vargas | Ric Vargas emphasizes the journey of spiritual development and maturity, using the concept of Ebenezer as a reminder that God can lead us from a place of struggle to a place of est |
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Hitherto by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about reflecting on the past faithfulness of God with the phrase 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,' acknowledging God's continuous help through various |
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I Samuel 7:12 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith reflects on the past, present, and future in his sermon 'Facing the New Year,' emphasizing that the Lord has helped us thus far. He encourages looking back at God's fai |
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Reflections on the New Year by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade reflects on the commencement of a new year, acknowledging the passage of time and the importance of gratitude for God's help throughout the year. He emphasizes the nee |
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Thou Art Mine by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the music and hymns that were sung, which he believes will touch the hearts of the listeners. He then recommends two |