In First Samuel 17, we read of the Philistines and their efforts to attack the Israelites. Samuel then sacrificed a lamb to God and prayed for the Israelites’ deliverance. As Samuel was offering the sacrifice, the Philistines drew near, anxious to attack.

The Israelites were successful in driving the Philistines away. The Philistines, subdued and defeated, did not come into the Israelites territory anymore. Samuel then took a stone, set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called the stone Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” Samuel erected Ebenezer, the “stone of help,” as a memorial in order to ensure the Israelites would not forget the victory God had given them over the Philistines.

As I sing the song, “O Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” including the words, “Here I Raise My Ebenezer,” I am reminded of the help God has given me in the past.