8 Then the sons of Israel said to Samuel , " Do not cease to cry to the Lord our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines ." 9 Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it for a whole burnt offering to the Lord ; and Samuel cried to the Lord for Israel and the Lord answered him. 10 Now Samuel was offering up the burnt offering , and the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel . But the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day against the Philistines and confused them, so that they were routed before Israel . 11 The men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines , and struck them down as far as below e Beth-car . 12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen , and named e it Ebenezer , saying , "Thus far the Lord has helped us."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:8-12
Commentary on 1 Samuel 7:7-12
(Read 1 Samuel 7:7-12)
The Philistines invaded Israel. When sinners begin to repent and reform, they must expect that Satan will muster all his force against them, and set his instruments at work to the utmost, to oppose and discourage them. The Israelites earnestly beg Samuel to pray for them. Oh what a comfort it is to all believers, that our great Intercessor above never ceases, is never silent! for he always appears in the presence of God for us. Samuel's sacrifice, without his prayer, had been an empty shadow. God gave a gracious answer. And Samuel erected a memorial of this victory, to the glory of God, and to encourage Israel. Through successive generations, the church of God has had cause to set up Eben-ezers for renewed deliverances; neither outward persecutions nor inward corruptions have prevailed against her, because "hitherto the Lord hath helped her:" and he will help, even to the end of the world.