READ: 1 Sam. 7:1-12
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, Thus far the Lord has helped us. – 1 Sam. 7:12
At Mizpah, Samuel sets up a memorial stone and names this stone Eben-Haezer, meaning “stone of help.” Samuel declares, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” This stone marks an important event that must be remembered, as a testimony of what happened there.
It is now 20 years after the return of the ark. Israel is once again at war with the Philistines from the place where they suffered a great defeat before. Throughout this period, Samuel fulfilled his prophetic service.
Although the political situation seems unchanged, the LORD worked among His people through His prophet Samuel. He proclaimed His Word with the call to faith and repentance.
Verse 4 says that they have now repented! They cast away the idols and return to the service of the LORD. God’s peace is enjoyed again after a long period of deformation. There is reason for joy and hope for salvation! Samuel gathers the people, intercedes for them before God, and asks for God’s grace.
The people also show humility. Symbolically, they offer water to the LORD as a sign of their lives. Thus, they confess their guilt and ask for forgiveness. There is a true reformation of the heart!
But then a great trial follows: the Philistines hear of this assembly and launch an attack. Now it is crucial that they trust only in God. They ask Samuel for God’s help, and he sacrifices a lamb for atonement.
God grants them victory! He Himself confuses the enemies so that Israel can defeat them. A special moment of faith and, above all, a reminder of God’s faithfulness and omnipotence.
Are there moments for us to remember God’s help?
Singing: Ps. 138:4