1 Samuel 7:12-14
12 Then Samuel took a stone and placed it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, “So far the Lord has helped us.”
13 So the Philistines were subdued, and they did not come anymore within the border of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.
14 The cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even to Gath; and Israel recovered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. So there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.
Ebenezer
A memorial stone
The victory over the Philistines was “the Lord’s victory.” Therefore, Samuel placed a stone between Mizpah and Shen as a memorial of this and express gratitude to the Lord. The stone was named “Ebenezer,” meaning “Stone of Help,” and then Samuel said, “So far the Lord has helped us.” The term “Ebenezer” became like a watchword spoken by God’s people over generations whenever they experienced deliverance. Do you remember the victories the Lord has given you and express gratitude to Him? The Apostle Paul always remembered how he had been sustained by the Lord’s protection and expressed his gratitude. “So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great […]” (Acts 26:22).
The four blessings
From this point, four blessings came to Israel. (1) The 40-year domination of the Philistines came to an end. (2) Israel reclaimed the territories it had lost, which included the region from Ekron to Gath, which were Philistine cities located inland. The surrounding areas were returned to Israel. (3) There was no conflict with the Philistines for the duration of Samuel’s life. The battles resumed in the time of King Saul. (4) Peace was established between the Israelites and the Amorites, meaning that the region of Israel’s eastern border was also at peace. During this period, Israel lived in tranquility without the need to engage in battles with the Philistines to the west nor with the Amorites to the east. The revival (religious reformation) at Mizpah pleased the Lord and as a result, brought time of peace to Israel. The following word of wisdom written in Proverbs, its truth, was fulfilled. “By mercy and truth atonement is made for wrongdoing, and by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil. When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He causes even his enemies to make peace with him” (Prov. 16:6-7). Those who desire a life of tranquility and blessing should first seek peace with the Lord. Have you been opposing God’s plans? If so, let’s seek reconciliation with the Lord in prayer.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, please guide me to walk in accordance with Your will. And as a result, allow me to experience a life filled with peace and blessings. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.