Daily EncouragementSample

In setting up this “stone of help,” Samuel acknowledged his people’s deliverance “out of the hand of the Philistine.” This victory had its roots in a genuine confession of sin and a return to the Lord involving acceptable sacrifice and intercession. To perpetuate the memory of God’s help in such crisis hours was praiseworthy.

The phrase, “Thus far . . . ” speaks not only of appreciation of God’s help up to this point but an awareness of the need for his continued aid in days to come. The man who says, “Thus far . . . ” is gratefully aware of the ground already covered, but he is not looking back. Rather, he is aware of the unknown future, in which the temptation to turn aside to false gods will always be present and the enemy will always be poised for attack. “Ebenezer” is thus a token of hope about what lies ahead, as well as a memorial of assistance in the past.

Spurgeon used to complain that too many people set up their Ebenezers only to sit down upon them! We should indeed celebrate victory over the Philistines today, but we should then move on with faith and expectation. We will find that the hand of the Lord will be against them throughout our lives (1 Sam. 7:13).