Introduction

Jehovah-Nissi, meaning "The LORD is My Banner," is a significant name of God revealed in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of an altar built by Moses. This name and the associated altar commemorate a divine victory and serve as a testament to God's protection and leadership over His people, Israel.

Biblical Context

The name Jehovah-Nissi is introduced in the Book of Exodus, during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The Amalekites, a nomadic tribe, attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. This battle is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, showcasing God's providence and the importance of faith and obedience.

Scriptural Reference

The primary scriptural reference for Jehovah-Nissi is found in Exodus 17:8-16. The passage describes the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites. Moses instructed Joshua to choose men and go out to fight Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, along with Aaron and Hur, went to the top of a hill with the staff of God in his hand.

As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek gained the upper hand. To ensure victory, Aaron and Hur supported Moses' hands, one on each side, until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.

Following this victory, Exodus 17:15-16 states: "And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner. He said, 'Indeed, my hand is lifted up toward the LORD’s throne. The LORD will war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.'"

Theological Significance

1. Divine Leadership and Protection: The name Jehovah-Nissi emphasizes God's role as a leader and protector of His people. The banner symbolizes God's presence and guidance in battle, serving as a rallying point for the Israelites. It signifies that victory comes not by human strength but through reliance on the LORD.

2. Faith and Obedience: The episode underscores the importance of faith and obedience in the life of believers. Moses' act of raising his hands is an expression of dependence on God, illustrating that spiritual victory is achieved through prayer and trust in divine power.

3. Perpetual Conflict with Amalek: The declaration that the LORD will war against the Amalekites from generation to generation highlights the ongoing spiritual battle between God's people and the forces of evil. It serves as a reminder of the perpetual struggle against sin and the need for vigilance and reliance on God.

4. Memorial of God's Faithfulness: The altar named Jehovah-Nissi serves as a memorial of God's faithfulness and deliverance. It is a tangible reminder for future generations of the LORD's intervention and the importance of acknowledging Him in all circumstances.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, banners were used in military contexts to identify tribes or armies and to serve as a focal point during battles. By naming the altar Jehovah-Nissi, Moses was declaring that the LORD Himself was the banner under which Israel fought, uniting the people under His divine authority and purpose.

Conclusion

The altar named Jehovah-Nissi stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and the necessity of faith in His provision. It calls believers to recognize the LORD as their banner, under whose leadership they find victory and protection in the spiritual battles of life.Exodus 17:15
And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:
Nave's Topical Index

3071. Yhvh Nissi -- Jehovah-nissi
... From Yhovah and nec with the prononimal suffix; Jehovah (is) my banner;
Jehovah-Nissi, a symbolical name of an altar in the Desert -- Jehovah-nissi. ...
/hebrew/3071.htm - 6k

Jehovah Nissi
... These laws and conditions are implied in the name which he gave to the altar
that he built"Jehovah Nissi, 'the Lord is my Banner.'. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/jehovah nissi.htm

Jehovah
... Moses realized that the Lord was fighting for them, and he built an altar to
Jehovah-nissi, "The Lord my banner." The Bible is full of developments of this name ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 6 jehovah.htm

The War of Truth
... remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. And Moses built an altar, and called
the name of it Jehovah-nissi. For he said, Because the Lord ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the war of truth.htm

Expositions of Holy Scripture
... MARAH. THE BREAD OF GOD. JEHOVAH NISSI. GERSHOM AND ELIEZER. ... THREE INSCRIPTIONS WITH
ONE MEANING. THE ALTAR OF INCENSE. RANSOM FOR SOULS--I. RANSOM FOR SOULS--II ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/

Contents
... MARAH (Exodus 15:23-25). THE BREAD OF GOD (Exodus 16:4-12). JEHOVAH NISSI (Exodus
17:15). ... THE ALTAR OF INCENSE (Exodus 30:1). RANSOM FOR SOULS"I.((Exodus 30:12). ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/contents 2.htm

The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ...
... 48:35). In the same way, "Moses built an altar, and called the name of
it JEHOVAH-nissi," (Jehovah my exaltation). But it would ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 the unity of.htm

What does it mean that the Lord is my banner? | GotQuestions.org

What are the different names of God, and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about Exodus | GotQuestions.org

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