1 Samuel 7:12 Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying… The setting up of memorial stones was one of the earliest methods adopted for the purpose of recording interesting and important events. These memorials consisted of a single block or of a heap of stones; they generally received some significant name, or were marked with a brief inscription, and they sometimes became centres around which the people gathered, and were replaced by more imposing structures. The earliest instance mentioned in the Bible was at Bethel (Genesis 28:8). Other instances, Genesis 31:45; Exodus 17:15; Joshua 4:9, 21, 22; Joshua 24:26. This memorial was set up - I. ON THE OPPORTUNE RECEPTION OF DIVINE HELP. Looking backward on the past, let us remember - 1. How much that help has been needed by us - in sorrow, labour, conflict, danger, which our own strength was wholly inadequate to meet. 2. How often it has been afforded when we were at the point of despair. But why, it may be asked, should God have allowed us to arrive at such a point? (1) To teach us the very truth concerning ourselves, and deliver us from a vain confidence in ourselves. "This unfortunate self-reliance forms within us a little favourite sanctuary, which our jealous pride keeps closed against God, whom we receive as our last resource. But when we become really weak and despair of ourselves, the power of God expands itself through all our inner man, even to the most secret recesses, filling us with all the fulness of God" (A. Monod). (2) To produce in us humility and submission, to excite us to fervent prayer, and to strengthen and perfect our faith. (3) To afford occasion for a more impressive manifestation of his power and grace. 3. How completely it has been adapted to our need and accomplished our deliverance. Here we are this day, after the trouble and conflict, ourselves monuments of his mercy! "We went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place" (Deuteronomy 8:2; Psalm 66:12; Psalm 77:10; Acts 26:22). II. IN GRATEFUL RECOGNITION OF DIVINE HELP. Looking upward to heaven, let us reflect - 1. How plainly the Source of our deliverance now appears. "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." "Not with thy sword, nor with thy bow" (Joshua 24:12). His arm alone has brought salvation nigh. We see it now more clearly than we did before, and as we meditate upon it our hearts overflow with thankfulness. We have not always recognised the Source of our mercies, and therefore often omitted to be thankful; but who can fail to see these signal tokens of his power? "Not unto us," etc. (Psalm 115:1). 2. How much we owe to the God of our salvation. Everything. 3. How we can best testify the gratitude of our hearts. "What shall I render unto the Lord?" (Psalm 116:12). Loud songs of praise. Renewed vows of consecration. Earnest written or spoken words for God. Large gifts of what he has given. Fresh acts of piety and beneficence. These shall be the memorial we now set up. III. AS A PERMANENT RECORD OF DIVINE HELP. Looking forward to the future, let us considered. How helpful the record may be to ourselves in times of conflict and trial. For such times will come; we are liable to forget what has occurred; and it will remind us of him who changes not, and incite us to faith and prayer. 2. How useful it may be to others in similar circumstances. What he has done for us he can do for them, and seeing it they "may take heart again." 3. How conducive it may be to the glory of God. As often as we behold it we shall be stirred to fresh thanksgiving. When we are gone it will still endure. Others will gather around it, and ask the meaning of the "great stone which remaineth unto this day" (1 Samuel 6:18), and, on being told, will give glory to God. So his praise shall be perpetuated from generation to generation, until it merge into the anthem of heaven. Conclusion. - 1. Let us be thankful for the memorials of Divine help which others have left for our benefit. They are among the greatest treasures the earth contains, and meet our view wherever we turn. 2. Let us do something to add to these treasures, and further enrich the earth. 3. Above all, let us seek to be ourselves the everlasting monuments of the Divine power and grace. - D. Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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