What is the meaning of Exodus 17:15? And Moses Moses has just witnessed the Lord give Israel victory over the Amalekites while his hands were raised (Exodus 17:11-13). Rather than celebrate his own leadership, he immediately turns the spotlight on God. Like Hebrews 3:5 reminds us, “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” pointing to the One who deserves the credit. His instinct to worship models what Psalm 34:3 urges: “Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.” built an altar Altars in Scripture are tangible reminders of God’s intervention. • In Genesis 12:7 Abraham built an altar where God promised the land. • In Exodus 20:24 God later instructs Israel to build altars “in every place where I cause My name to be remembered.” By building, Moses: – Sets a permanent marker so future generations recall God’s rescue. – Publicly proclaims that victory is the Lord’s domain, not military prowess. – Provides a gathering place for sacrifice and gratitude, echoing Psalm 96:8, “Bring an offering and enter His courts.” and named it Scripture often pairs an altar with a name so the story behind it never fades. • Genesis 22:14—Abraham calls his altar “The LORD Will Provide” after Isaac is spared. • Judges 6:24—Gideon names his altar “The LORD Is Peace” following divine reassurance. By naming, Moses: – Ties the event to God’s specific action, not a vague memory. – Invites every passer-by to ask, “Why this name?” opening doors for testimony (Psalm 105:1). – Reinforces that knowing God involves remembering His works (Deuteronomy 6:12). The LORD Is My Banner A banner in ancient warfare was a rally point lifted high for troops to see. Declaring, “The LORD Is My Banner,” Moses anchors Israel’s identity under God’s sovereign leadership. Consider: • Psalm 60:4—“You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth.” • Isaiah 11:10—The Messiah will stand “as a banner for the peoples,” drawing nations to Himself. • Numbers 21:8-9—The bronze serpent on a pole foreshadows Christ lifted up (John 3:14-15), our ultimate banner of salvation. What the banner means for believers: – Identity: We march under His name, not our own achievements (1 Peter 2:9). – Protection: His presence guards us, like the pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21-22). – Inspiration: Seeing the banner renews courage when battles loom (2 Chronicles 20:15-17). – Proclamation: Victory is already secured by the Lord; we simply join Him (Romans 8:37). summary Exodus 17:15 shows Moses responding to God’s decisive help by building a memorial altar and naming it “The LORD Is My Banner.” Each phrase underscores a truth: a humble leader gives glory to God, worship memorializes divine intervention, naming preserves testimony, and God Himself is the rallying point for every battle. The verse invites us to remember, rejoice, and live under the unfurled banner of the Lord’s unfailing victory. |
    |