Ebenezer

You might recall the hymn, “The Lord hath helped me hitherto.” It was penned by Aemilie Juliane in 1699 and is based on the declaration of Samuel as recorded in the King James Bible that was first published in 1611.

“Hitherto!” Chances are you don’t use that word in everyday conversation. But you might say, “Till now ... I still have all my teeth.” or “Till now ... my children all keep in touch.” Not only does “till now” reflect on our past, but it also expresses hope that the blessings of the past will continue in the future. That’s what Samuel commemorated with a stone. He named it “Ebenezer,” a Hebrew word for “up until now.” It served as a reminder of the confidence God’s people have in the future, as they reflect on God’s grace in the past.