The only association I remember having with the name “Ebenezer” was the character Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol”. Thus when I saw that word in “Come Thy Fount” (here) I questioned its meaning.
I have looked up the word and have done some research as to why the Hebrew word Ebenezer translates into “stone of help”. Evidently, it has something to do with the ark of the covenant and the gratitude of the Israelites who had lost but gained back into custody. Samuel evidently raised a stone as a symbolic gesture. This was done in recognition of receiving assistance from God.
Then I questioned what might have possessed Charles Dickens to give his character that same name. Was it because Scrooge had the feeling of a stone? He didn’t appear to be at all helpful to anyone in the beginning of the story.
According to the Mierriam-Webster the word Ebenezer (which generally is capitalized) has two meanings. The first is a commemoration of divine assistance. The second is Anger and Temper. That would describe Ebenezer Scrooge in the beginning.
Interesting . . .
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