Ebenezer: A Stone of Help

Background Scripture: 1 Samuel 7
Lesson Scripture: 1 Samuel 7:3-13

Introduction

Samuel was a child given to Hannah by God in respect to the vow she made. When Samuel was born, his mother was faithful in her vow and lent her child to the Lord to be in his service for all his life. Samuel lived with Eli and learned to minister in the service of God. Because of his confidence in God, he was able to lead the people of Israel in righteousness, thereby bringing them back into favor with God. Samuel’s practice of faithful obedience and service to Eli was also his practice toward God. The story of his life can serve as an inspiration for us to also serve faithfully in our time.

Key Verse

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake (Ps. 79:9).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Prior to this lesson’s scripture, the sons of Eli had fallen into disfavor with the Lord, and God had not defended them in battle against the Philistines. Four thousand Israelites were slain, and Eli’s sons then brought the ark of the covenant to the battlefield, thinking it would secure their victory. This action did not please the Lord, and they were also killed, resulting in the ark being captured by the Philistines. The Philistines suffered greatly by retaining the ark and soon returned it to Israel.

The ark of God was returned to Bethshemesh, but they did not respect the command of God. More than 50,000 men died because they looked into the ark. It was then kept by a man of Israel for twenty years, and it appears the people lamented losing touch with the Lord. It was at this time the people turned and looked to Samuel as a prophet of the Lord. He told them how to return to God. Samuel was a true servant of the Lord, and his instruction, counsel, and prayers were effective.

The Israelites were very fearful when they heard that the Philistines were coming again in battle. These warlike people were persistent enemies whom the Israelites feared greatly. They asked Samuel to not stop praying that the Lord would save them from the Philistines. Samuel stood in as much danger as his fellow countrymen, but his strategy included not only preparing for battle but trusting in God. God’s defense for them was a great thunderstorm that struck fear in the Philistines, causing confusion in their ranks. This gave the warriors of Israel the offensive position, and in the Philistines’ retreat, the men of Israel pursued them to their borders, struck them severely, and subdued them.

This miracle of the Lord was like the many miracles of past times, and Samuel put up a stone of remembrance and called it Ebenezer. Stone monuments or markers were not uncommon in ancient Israel. They served to mark boundaries or other places of note. By saying, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,” Samuel dedicated this marker to the remembrance of a time when divine assistance was received. It gave credit to the almighty God, and the Philistines did not trouble Israel any more all the days of Samuel.

Practical Truths for Today

In the daily course of life, we sometimes face situations we hardly know how to handle. Some are major difficulties and challenges, while others are not as pressing. We may seek counsel from the brotherhood, and at times prayer may be made for guidance. Sometimes though, we choose the way that suits us best, and, upon looking back, we realize that decision was not the best choice. Consequences of misjudgment can be quite inconvenient.

The Bible speaks of an unction. This may sound like receiving a strong impression, but can we recognize it as the soft, small voice of the Lord? It may be that the Spirit gave us guidance, but we did not realize it was his voice speaking. To always be God-conscious is a “stone of help” in making good decisions.

There will be times we suffer physical harm, disease, or other misfortune through happenstance and no fault of our own. It may be difficult to appreciate the ministry of suffering, but to complain and resist is not pleasing to God. Those who bear these situations with patience are an inspiration to others. We often pray for God’s protection, but let us not forget to thank Him for the many times we have been spared from harm.

Some people may look at God and the church as being a hard master, not allowing them to do what they enjoy. A person’s commitment to God is not self-serving but rather a love-offering to God for his divine assistance. As Samuel faced the advancing Philistine army, he did not face it with fear but rather with faith in the saving power of God. Hebrews 11:6 teaches us that “without faith it is impossible to please [God].”

We may receive visions, dreams, special inspirations, or other signposts that assure us we are on the way that pleases God. These serve to strengthen our courage and give grace to meet the things we may encounter. Songs are often a comfort that direct us to place our hope and faith in God. There is also a tremendous help in Christian fellowship. Our brothers’ and sisters’ lives can be an example of faith in action, reminding us of the necessity of being obedient to God.

We often hesitate to talk of the times when we feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit, yet those times encourage us to remain faithful to God. Some may desire mountaintop experiences, but it could be that the little touches of peace give us the daily courage we need. The Bible warns of other spirits that could lead us astray and teaches that we need to try all spirits. When all follow the Spirit of God, it engenders Christian unity. Is this not an effect of righteousness that God can bless?

When we look at the history of the church since Christ’s time, we can say that the lines have fallen to us in pleasant places. We have a wonderful and goodly heritage, and many benefits have been put in place to aid us. Truly we, too, can say, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” May our praise and thanksgiving be to God alone.

Questions

1. The Bible teaches us to fear God and keep his commandments (Eccl. 12:13). The Bible also says that fear has torment (1 John 4:18). Would we understand it better if we would say, “Respect God and keep his commandments”? Discuss.
2. First Timothy 6:6 teaches that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” Does living a godly life mean living on a lower standard?
3. What may be some primary factors that could lead us to a greater trust in God?
4. In your present environment, can you think of idols that seek to gain your trust?

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).