Topical Encyclopedia The event of the "Pillar by Samuel" is a significant moment in the biblical narrative, marking a divine intervention and victory for the Israelites over the Philistines. This event is recorded in the First Book of Samuel, specifically in 1 Samuel 7:7-12. The account highlights the spiritual leadership of the prophet Samuel and the Israelites' renewed commitment to the LORD, resulting in a miraculous victory.Context and Background The Philistines were a persistent threat to the Israelites during the period of the Judges and early monarchy. Their military prowess and strategic locations posed a significant challenge to the Israelites, who were often oppressed and defeated by them. The Ark of the Covenant had previously been captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4), leading to a period of spiritual and national crisis for Israel. Samuel's Leadership and Israel's Repentance Samuel, serving as both prophet and judge, called the Israelites to repentance and a return to the LORD. He urged them to put away foreign gods and serve the LORD only (1 Samuel 7:3-4). The people responded by gathering at Mizpah, where they fasted, confessed their sins, and sought the LORD's favor. The Battle and Divine Intervention As the Israelites gathered at Mizpah, the Philistines perceived this assembly as a threat and advanced to attack. The Israelites, fearing the Philistine army, pleaded with Samuel to intercede on their behalf. Samuel offered a burnt offering and cried out to the LORD for Israel (1 Samuel 7:9). The LORD responded to Samuel's prayer with a mighty act. As the Philistines drew near, the LORD thundered with a great sound, throwing the Philistine forces into confusion. The Israelites seized the opportunity to pursue and defeat the Philistines, driving them back as far as Beth-car (1 Samuel 7:10-11). The Pillar of Ebenezer In commemoration of this divine victory, Samuel set up a stone between Mizpah and Shen, naming it Ebenezer, which means "stone of help." Samuel declared, "Thus far the LORD has helped us" (1 Samuel 7:12). This pillar served as a tangible reminder of the LORD's faithfulness and deliverance. Significance The defeat of the Philistines at Mizpah and the erection of the Ebenezer stone marked a turning point for Israel. It symbolized the power of repentance, prayer, and reliance on the LORD. The event underscored the importance of spiritual leadership and the necessity of faithfulness to God. The victory also initiated a period of peace between Israel and the Philistines, as the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel (1 Samuel 7:13). The "Pillar by Samuel" stands as a testament to God's sovereignty and His willingness to deliver His people when they turn to Him with sincere hearts. It serves as an enduring reminder of the LORD's help and the importance of memorializing His acts of deliverance. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 7:12Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Till now has the LORD helped us. Nave's Topical Index Library Ebenezer! The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources What did the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night signify? (Exodus 13:21-22) | GotQuestions.orgWhy was Lot's wife turned into a pillar of salt? | GotQuestions.org What does 1 Timothy 3:15 mean when it says that the church is the pillar and foundation of the truth? | GotQuestions.org Pillar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pillar by Absalom, to Keep his Name Alive Pillar by Jacob, his Covenant With Laban Pillar by Joshua, the Crossing of the Jordan River Pillar by Moses, the Covenant Between Jehovah and Israel Pillar by Samuel, the Defeat of the Philistines Pillar: Broken and Carried to Babylon Pillar: Monuments Erected to Commemorate Events by Jacob, his Vision of Angels Pillar: Monuments of Idolatry, to be Destroyed Pillar: Pillar of Salt, Lot's Wife Turned To Pillar: Prophecy of One in Egypt Related Terms Standing-pillar (3 Occurrences) El-elohe-Israel (1 Occurrence) |
    |