What is an ebenezer

Literally, Ebenezer means "Stone of Help."

The term comes from Scripture 1 Samuel 7:12-14 that says: Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah, and named it Ebenezer; for he said, "Thus far the LORD has helped us."

So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel; the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. The towns that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath; and Israel recovered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. There was peace also between Israel and the Amorites.

The word "Ebenezer" comes from Hebrew and is actually two words pronounced together: Even Haazer. It is usually transliterated as a proper name by dropping the definite article (Ha) from the Hebrew word for "help" (Ezer) and putting it together with the Hebrew word for "stone" (Even) to create Ebenezer.

Ebenezer, also, is a Welsh hymn tune. Thomas John Williams brought it to hymnals in 1890.

In the news, Ebenezer Reformed Church in Oregon will host the gospel trio Beyond the Ashes for a free concert and revival at 6 p.m. July 7. The public is invited to attend the concert and participate in the worship service. Learn more here.