What is in a name?

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.” 1Samuel 7:12 ESV

Ebenezer is literally translated as Stone of Help. Eben which here is translated stone is from the root word Banah. Both words refer to building, as in to build, to make, to repair, to set (up). I would understand that to refer to masonry, as in stone masonry. Samuel took a large stone and set it upright as a marker. He built or set-up a stone marker to bear witness that God has been their help.

There is one reference in the book of Genesis calling God the stone of Israel. The next reference is found in the Psalms. It is a poem or song by King David in Psalm 118 verse 22. “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” This is a very well-known reference to Jesus the Christ. Corner stones are important in building structures. Often the first stone placed establishes the corner orienting the foundation and ultimately the building. Every building must be built upon a firm and steady foundation, and the cornerstone establishes that foundation.

So, why did I change the name from stone to rock? I have been raised upon certain scriptures that speak to the solid, unshakeable nature of God. He is a Rock. As part of our AME worship we recite the words from Psalm 19 verse 14, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand these lines of a great hymn say it all. Christ is the solid rock upon which we can build our lives, He is our firm foundation. And finally, in keeping with the idea of building there is this statement from Jesus himself, in Matthew chapter 16, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Many believe that this verse is pointing to Peter as the rock upon which Jesus will build his church. It is true that the name Peter is here, depending upon your translation, referred to as meaning rock. But I believe that this is in reference to the Psalm which refers to the Messiah, or the Christ as being the cornerstone. Jesus is talking about building something that will last through out eternity. This building will require a solid and firm foundation … that is not Peter. What he needs is the chief cornerstone that the builders had rejected. Man can not build the church; man can not recognize what is needed to build the church. What the builders, the religious leaders of the day, wanted to build the church was a strong King like David. The were not looking for an unknown itinerant preacher who was willing to lay down his life and die upon a cross. Yet after two thousand years His church still stands strong. Like a Rock!

Why Ebenezer Rock of Help? In a perfect world, this website would be called simply Rock of Help. Sadly, that name was taken. So, a few tries at variations of the name and Ebenezer Rock of Help was chosen. This website is established to focus on the faithfulness of God toward his people in need. When we cry out, He is our Help and our Rock. As King David sings in Psalm 138 verse 7, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.” ESV