Lexical Summary Eben Haezer: Stone of Help Original Word: אֶבֶן הָעֵזֶר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ebenezer From 'eben and ezer with the article inserted; stone of the help; Eben-ha-Ezer, a place in Palestine -- Ebenezer. see HEBREW 'eben see HEBREW ezer NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom eben and ezer Definition "stone of the help," a place of unc. location, also a commemorative stone NASB Translation Ebenezer (3). Topical Lexicon Etymology and Meaning Although primarily remembered as a place name, “Ebenezer” functions in Scripture as a memorial marker celebrating divine aid. The very naming of the site by Samuel (1 Samuel 7:12) is an acknowledgment that Israel’s survival, repentance, and victory were solely the Lord’s doing. Geographical Context Ebenezer lay in the hill country of Ephraim, positioned close to Aphek and within sight of Philistine territory. Its proximity to major north–south routes made it a logical rally point for Israelite forces and an equally strategic target for Philistine aggression. Historical Narrative 1 Samuel 4–7 records three distinct moments tied to Ebenezer: • 1 Samuel 4:1 – Israel musters at Ebenezer before battling the Philistines. Confidence is placed in the Ark as an object rather than in the God who meets with His people. The ensuing defeat and capture of the Ark expose the futility of ritual divorced from obedience. • 1 Samuel 5:1 – The Philistines carry the Ark from Ebenezer to Ashdod. What they perceive as victory becomes judgment, as Dagon falls and the Philistine cities suffer plagues, demonstrating the Lord’s supremacy even in enemy hands. • 1 Samuel 7:12 – Following national repentance and Samuel’s intercessory leadership, the Lord routs the Philistines. “Afterward Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.’”. The stone becomes a tangible witness to covenant faithfulness. Theological Significance 1. Sovereignty of God: The same site that witnessed Israel’s humiliation later proclaims God’s rescuing power. The contrast underscores divine sovereignty over both defeat and victory (Psalm 115:3). Lessons for Faith and Ministry • Reliance on God versus Reliance on Methods: Israel’s earlier trust in the Ark’s symbolic presence failed; only humble dependence on the Lord prevails. Modern ministry must guard against substituting programs or traditions for genuine faith. Later Biblical Allusions and Christian Hymnody While the Old Testament does not mention Ebenezer beyond 1 Samuel, its theology reverberates through later Scripture and church history. The hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (Robert Robinson, 1758) popularized the phrase “Here I raise mine Ebenezer,” inviting worshipers to personalize the memorial concept: gratitude for past grace fuels trust for future trials. Thus Ebenezer stands as more than an ancient boundary stone; it is a perpetual call to remember, repent, and rely on the God who helps His people from first to last. Forms and Transliterations הָעֵ֔זֶר הָעֵ֖זֶר הָעָ֑זֶר העזר hā‘āzer hā‘êzer hā·‘ā·zer hā·‘ê·zer haAzer haEzerLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 4:1 HEB: עַל־ הָאֶ֣בֶן הָעֵ֔זֶר וּפְלִשְׁתִּ֖ים חָנ֥וּ NAS: beside Ebenezer while the Philistines KJV: and pitched beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines INT: and camped beside Ebenezer the Philistines camped 1 Samuel 5:1 1 Samuel 7:12 3 Occurrences |
    |