Samuel — Prophet and LeaderEgzanp

Erecting Memorial Stones

God has heard the prayers of Samuel and the Israelites, and granted them victory over their enemies. Afterwards, Samuel erects a memorial stone. This was common practice in Israel. When they first entered the promised land of Canaan, for example, they erected 12 stones. Also, their forefather Jacob had anointed a pillar in Bethel after he had seen God there in a vision. 

These stones served as reminders of God’s help in the past. They should be a sign among the people: “When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them...” [what God has done]. The people should never forget what God had done to them, and they should pass on this knowledge to the upcoming generations.

Do you create memories—not just about your holidays or the birth of your children, but also about the times you experienced God’s help or nearness? And do you pass on to upcoming generations what God has done in the past?