1 Samuel Chapter 7 · Verse 12
Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם
and set
H7760
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם
and set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
5 of 19
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
בֵּֽין
H996
בֵּֽין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
6 of 19
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
הַמִּצְפָּה֙
it between Mizpeh
H4709
הַמִּצְפָּה֙
it between Mizpeh
Strong's:
H4709
Word #:
7 of 19
mitspah, the name of two places in palestine
וּבֵ֣ין
H996
וּבֵ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
8 of 19
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
and called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
and called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
10 of 19
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמָ֖הּ
the name
H8034
שְׁמָ֖הּ
the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
12 of 19
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
16 of 19
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הֵ֖נָּה
H2008
Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:10Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;Joshua 4:9And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.Acts 26:22Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:Genesis 22:14And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.Genesis 35:14And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.1 Samuel 5:1And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben-ezer unto Ashdod.Isaiah 19:19In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD.Psalms 71:17O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.Psalms 71:6By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.Exodus 17:15And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi:
Historical Context
Memorial stones appear throughout Genesis and Joshua, marking encounters with God or covenant commitments. 'Shen' means 'tooth' or 'cliff,' likely describing a distinctive rock formation. The placement 'between Mizpeh and Shen' created a territorial marker visible to travelers, ensuring continued remembrance.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'Eben-ezers' mark God's faithfulness in your journey?
- How does the phrase 'hitherto' (until here) express both gratitude for the past and faith for the future?
Analysis & Commentary
Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
Samuel's memorial stone created permanent testimony to divine faithfulness. 'Eben-ezer' ('stone of help') commemorated God's assistance ('ezer') at that exact location. The word 'hitherto' ('ad-hennah', 'until here') acknowledges both God's help to this point and implicit trust for future needs. The name invokes not triumphalism but humble gratitude - 'the LORD helped us,' not 'we achieved victory.' Significantly, this same region had witnessed Israel's devastating defeat two decades earlier (1 Samuel 4:1). The Eben-ezer of 1 Samuel 4 marked tragedy; this Eben-ezer marks triumph. The transformation between these two Eben-ezers encapsulates the difference between presumptuous manipulation of God's presence and humble dependence on His power. Where Israel had fallen, Israel now stands - not through superior strength but through returned hearts and prophetic intercession.