Most of us, when we hear “Ebenezer,” think of stingy Scrooge; but in the Bible the name was not given to a person, but to a rock. It means “stone of help.”
Samuel set up this Ebenezer stone in a specific location after a reconsecration of Israel and a decisive win in a battle against their enemies.
There is a Rock.
There is a Help.
As the prophet Samuel set the memorial stone in place, he said, “Thus far the LORD has helped us" (1 Samuel 7:12).
It’s good for us to remember the faithfulness of God, and that He is the source of every blessing.
In the early 1700s, Robert Robinson lost his father. He was only eight years old and had to work to live. He started running with a rough crowd. After he came to know the Lord, he wrote a song based on this verse in 1 Samuel: “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
There’s a Rock that was a fountain.
And there is a Rock that is still pouring out blessings today.
Israel would face more battles in her future, but she had her Ebenezer stone to remind her that the God who had been their help in ages past was with her.
So like the song says, raise YOUR Ebenezer. You don’t have to set up a rock (but you could).
Remembering and rehearsing God’s past faithfulness and help can stabilize even those prone to wandering.
Thus far the Lord HAS helped you. He will be your help today and in the days to come. The Fountain of every blessing is still flowing . . . .
Click here to hear Cynthia Clawson sing "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing."