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Today’s reading, 1st Samuel 4–8, continues the lead-in to Israel’s monarchy. The Philistines attack Israel, and four thousand Israelites die. In response, the elders decide—without seeking the Lord’s guidance—to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh into battle, hoping it will secure victory. But this decision proves disastrous. Thirty thousand more Israelites die, including Hophni and Phinehas, who had accompanied the Ark into battle. The inclusion of Eli’s sons as leaders into battle was perhaps the most foolish decision of all—everyone knew how corrupt they were, yet they were still trusted with leadership.

Let this be a warning to church leaders: people may elevate us to positions beyond our level of spiritual maturity. Be humble. In every opportunity you are given by man to serve, stay fully dependent on the Lord.

Over the next twenty years the Israelites are in mourning. Then, in a moment of spiritual awakening, they turn to Samuel for guidance. Samuel, being a righteous leader, lays out the terms of their return to the Lord in 1 Samuel 7:3,

“If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”

The people obey. They gather at Mizpah to rededicate themselves to the Lord under Samuel’s leadership. We now see Samuel serving not only as Judge, but also as Priest—roles he holds in addition to that of Prophet.

While the people are gathered, the Philistines attack, assuming Israel is preparing for war. In desperation, the people turn to Samuel and ask, “What do we do?” As Samuel offers a sacrifice to the Lord, God throws the Philistines into confusion. Israel easily defeats them. In this moment, we’re reminded that in our own trials, if we humble ourselves before the Lord and seek His counsel, He can act before we even lift a hand. He can turn the tide in our favor.

After this defeat of Israel’s enemy is where we first encounter the concept of Ebenezer in 1 Samuel 7:12,

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, ‘Till now the Lord has helped us.’”

One of my favorite hymns, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, speaks to this moment:

“Here I raise my Ebenezer, here by Thy great help I've come, And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.”

We are prone to wander—but remembering God’s past help gives us hope for the future. Let every past victory—especially your salvation—be a stone of remembrance. Set up your own Ebenezers as reminders that the God who has helped you before will help you again.

Tragically, the story takes a familiar turn. Samuel’s sons follow in the footsteps of Eli’s, acting corruptly. The people cry out for a king. This deeply discourages Samuel—Ebenezer wasn’t enough to keep the people from wandering. But God reassures him,

“Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.” (1 Samuel 8:7)

Takeaway: Stand firm and be unshaken in your blessings. Remember what the Lord has done. Set up Ebenezers so you won’t forget. And when trials come, pause to “make sacrifices” to the Lord—offering your trust, your worship, and your dependence. In the middle of your surrender, God may move in ways you never imagined. He has for me… He can for you too.