Connect Exodus 17:15 with other biblical instances of God's protection and provision. Setting the Scene in Exodus 17 “And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner.” (Exodus 17:15) • Israel has just watched the Lord defeat Amalek as Moses’ hands were lifted. • The altar’s name—Yahweh-Nissi, “The LORD Is My Banner”—signals a visible rallying point, an unshakeable declaration that the Lord Himself fights and provides. Immediate Wilderness Care • Water from the rock (Exodus 17:6) – physical provision side-by-side with military protection. • Manna every morning (Exodus 16:4) – the banner over Israel’s camp was daily bread. • Cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21-22) – guidance by day, light and warmth by night: protection wrapped in provision. Echoes in Israel’s Later History • Red Sea deliverance – “The LORD will fight for you” (Exodus 14:14). • Jericho’s walls – the ark (symbol of God’s presence) leads the march (Joshua 6:6-20). • Gideon’s 300 – “The sword of the LORD and of Gideon” (Judges 7:18). God’s banner required only lamps and trumpets. • David and Goliath – “the battle is the LORD’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). One stone under the banner felled a giant. Voices of the Psalms • “May we… raise a banner in the name of our God” (Psalm 20:5). • “He will cover you with His feathers… His faithfulness is a shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:4). The imagery expands the banner into a fortress. Prophets Protected and Fed • Elijah at Cherith – “The ravens would bring him bread and meat” (1 Kings 17:6). • Elisha’s servant sees “the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire” (2 Kings 6:17). God’s invisible banner outnumbers visible threats. • Daniel in the lions’ den – “My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions” (Daniel 6:22). Isaiah’s Forward Look • “The Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples” (Isaiah 11:10). The coming Messiah would be the universal rallying point for salvation and security. The Ministry of Jesus—Banner in Flesh and Blood • Calming the storm – “He rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm” (Matthew 8:26). • Feeding the five thousand – abundance under the Shepherd’s care (John 6:11-12). • Cross and resurrection – the ultimate banner lifted up (John 12:32), conquering sin and death. New-Covenant Testimony • Paul’s shipwreck survival – “Not one of you will perish” (Acts 27:22-24). • Personal assurance – “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me… The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed” (2 Timothy 4:17-18). Living Under the Banner Today • His protection is both defensive (shielding from harm) and offensive (defeating enemies). • His provision spans the mundane (daily bread) to the miraculous (parting seas). • The banner never lowers; “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Wherever the Lord leads, His banner already waves overhead—promising presence, power, and perfect care. |
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