Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Da tok Samuel en stein og satte den opp mellom Mispa og Sen. Han ga steinen navnet Eben-Eser, som betyr «hjelpesteinen», og sa: «Fram til nå har Herren hjulpet oss.» Slik ble filisterne ydmyket, og de kom ikke innenfor Israels grenser mer. Herren beskyttet Israel imot filisterne så lenge Samuel levde. De byene som filisterne hadde tatt fra Israel, fikk de nå tilbake. Det gjaldt byene helt fra Ekron til Gat. Israel vant tilbake de landområdene som filisterne hadde tatt fra dem. Det ble også fred mellom Israel og amorittene.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Samuel sets up a stone called Ebenezer between Mizpeh and Shen to mark God's help. He names it Ebenezer, meaning 'until now the Lord has helped us.' This is a reminder of God's past blessings and support.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a really tough day, and your friend comes to help you. You feel so happy and want to remember that day forever. So, you put a special stone in your garden and write 'My friend helped me' on it. That's what Samuel did, but with God's help!
Historical Background
1 Samuel was written by various authors, including Samuel, Nathan, and Gad, during the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy in ancient Israel. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting reflects a time when the Israelites needed reassurance of God's presence and protection.
Living It Out Today
When facing a tough situation, like a difficult project at work, remember to set up your own 'Ebenezer'—a reminder of God's past help. This can be a small stone or a note on your desk, symbolizing God's ongoing support.
Samuel named the stone Ebenezer to commemorate God's help and to remind future generations of God's faithfulness and support.
What is the significance of setting up the stone between Mizpeh and Shen?
Setting the stone between Mizpeh and Shen marked a significant location for the Israelites, serving as a visible reminder of God's intervention and the need for ongoing faith.
How does the concept of Ebenezer relate to today's believers?
Today's believers can set up their own 'Ebenezer' to remember God's past blessings and to trust in His ongoing support and protection in daily life.
What does this verse teach about God's character?
This verse teaches that God is a faithful and supportive God who acts on behalf of His people, providing strength and protection in times of need.