Ebenezer -- the place of praise

Here’s an insight about Ebenezer from AB Simpson. Had never thought of the high point of Israel’s history starting from the erection of Ebenezer.

“He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far has the Lord helped us’” 1 Samuel 7:12

This is ever the consummation of penitence and believing prayer. The sorrow is turned into joy and the prayer is translated into praise. This is the true way to show that we really do believe God. Not until we cease our pleading and begin to thank Him that the blessing is given shall we really have cause for thanksgiving. . . .

The glorious renaissance which led through Samuel’s reformation to David’s throne and Solomon’s glory, all began in the stone of Ebenezer, and the praise of a trustful, thankful people.

Let us set up today over against every place of failure, over against every sorrow, over against every sin as we cover it with the cleansing blood, not a banner merely, nor even a son, but a stone of Ebenezer, and write upon it, “Thus far has the Lord helped us.”

Simpson, A.B., The Christ in the Bible Commentary, Volume 2, pp. 240-241.