Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: Ebenezer, meaning "stone of help" in Hebrew, is a significant term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of Israel's history and God's deliverance. It symbolizes divine assistance and remembrance of God's faithfulness. Biblical References: The term "Ebenezer" is primarily associated with the prophet Samuel and the Israelites' victory over the Philistines. The key passage is found in 1 Samuel 7:12: "Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far the LORD has helped us.'" . This event marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, where God intervened to deliver His people from their enemies. Historical Context: The setting of Ebenezer is during a time of conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines. Prior to the events of 1 Samuel 7, the Israelites had suffered a significant defeat at the hands of the Philistines, and the Ark of the Covenant had been captured (1 Samuel 4). The return of the Ark and the subsequent repentance and renewal of the Israelites under Samuel's leadership set the stage for the victory commemorated by the Ebenezer stone. Theological Significance: Ebenezer serves as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and deliverance. It underscores the importance of acknowledging God's help in times of trouble and serves as a call to remember His past acts of salvation. The stone of Ebenezer is a testament to the power of repentance and prayer, as the Israelites turned back to God and sought His aid. Symbolism and Application: In a broader sense, Ebenezer represents the concept of memorializing God's intervention in the lives of believers. It encourages Christians to reflect on their own "stones of help"—moments where they have experienced God's guidance and support. The practice of setting up an Ebenezer can be seen as a spiritual discipline, fostering gratitude and trust in God's continued provision. Cultural and Liturgical Usage: The term "Ebenezer" has found its way into Christian hymns and liturgy, most notably in the hymn "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," where the line "Here I raise my Ebenezer" reflects the act of acknowledging God's help. This usage highlights the enduring legacy of the biblical Ebenezer as a symbol of divine assistance and faithfulness. Conclusion: Ebenezer remains a powerful symbol within the Christian tradition, reminding believers of God's unwavering support and the importance of remembering His past faithfulness. Through the account of Samuel and the Israelites, the concept of Ebenezer continues to inspire faith and gratitude in the hearts of Christians today. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia EBEN-EZELSee EZEL. Thesaurus EbenezelEbenezel. Eben-bohan, Ebenezel. Eben-ezel . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia EBEN-EZEL. See EZEL. Eben-bohan, Ebenezel. Eben-ezel . Reference Bible. /e/ebenezel.htm - 6k Eben-ezel Eben-bohan Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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