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H72 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֶבֶן הָעֵזֶר
Eben Haezer
Proper noun, place
Ebenezer

Definition

Eben Haezer means "stone of help" — the name Samuel gave to the memorial stone he erected after God intervened for Israel against the Philistines. It also names the battlefield where Israel was earlier defeated.

Usage & Theological Significance

Ebenezer is one of Scripture's most powerful commemorative names. Samuel set up the stone and declared, "Thus far the LORD has helped us" (1 Samuel 7:12). This act of memorial theology was practiced throughout Israel's history: stones marked the places where God met His people. The same location that witnessed Israel's defeat (1 Samuel 4) later became the site of supernatural victory — a reminder that the God who allows discipline also brings restoration. The hymn "Come Thou Fount" draws on this word: "Here I raise mine Ebenezer."

Key Bible Verses

1 Samuel 4:1 Now the Israelites went out to fight against the Philistines. The Israelites camped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines at Aphek.
1 Samuel 5:1 After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.
1 Samuel 7:12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far the LORD has helped us.'
Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you.

Related Words

External Resources

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