1 Samuel 7:12–14

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”

So the Philistines were subdued, and they did not come anymore into the territory of Israel. And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. Then the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath; and Israel recovered its territory from the hands of the Philistines. Also there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.

The Hebrew that’s translated as, “Thus far,” (עַד־הֵ֖נָּה, ahd hay-nah) is vague. It’s most literally translated as “until here.” (“Thus far” is a fair colloquial English rendering.) Samuel is being careful to only say what he knows, avoiding any promises about the future.

Then comes the interesting part—God does exactly what Samuel was careful to avoid saying. He grants them future, long-term help. And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

This illustrates how the LORD rewards genuineness (just as He hates phoniness).

He loves to bless His people, when it’s appropriate.

This is important in prayer. Be yourself.

If you’re angry, don’t pretend that you aren’t. If you’re down, lament. (Remember the whole book of Lamentations is inspired scripture. Lamenting must be okay.)

If you’re puzzled, ask for clarification. If you see how it’s all glorious, worship. If you don’t, don’t be phony about it.

God desires relationship with you. Masks get in the way.

On the back of a one-dollar bill there’s something similar to Samuel’s careful statement. Above the pyramid are the words ANNUIT CŒPTIS, which means, “He has favored our undertakings.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annuit_c%C5%93ptis

It’s a vague reference to divine providence—much more vague than, say, the appeal to “the Protection of Divine Providence” at the end of the Declaration of Independence.

However, the implied prayer in the Declaration does seem to have been answered.

These Monday—Friday DEEPs are written by Mike Slay. The Weekend DEEPs are written by Matt Richardson. To subscribe to all the DEEPs click here:

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The weekly study guides, which include the Monday–Friday devotionals plus related questions for discussion or meditation, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV stands for the English Standard Version. © Copyright 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV stands for The Holy Bible, New International Version®. © Copyright 1973 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. KJV stands for the King James Version.

To God be the glory.