¹² Then Samuel took a stone^(A) and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer,^[a](B) saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

¹⁷ But he always went back to Ramah,^(A) where his home was, and there he also held court^(B) for Israel. And he built an altar^(C) there to the Lord.

²⁵ David built an altar^(A) to the Lord there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the Lord answered his prayer^(B) in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped.

⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you.^(A) Wash your hands,^(B) you sinners, and purify your hearts,^(C) you double-minded.^(D)