Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord Is My Banner

I did a study on the names of God a few years ago. And last night I felt I needed to go back over them again. If for no other reason than for my own sake. So, I will thought I would start with Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord Is My Banner.

Exodus 17:15 says, "And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-Nissi".

This verse is taken from the story of Moses, Joshua and the Israelites battle against the Amalekites. As Amalek and his army came against Israel; Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. Moses held up his staff as a banner; probably more than like as a banner by tying a flag to the end of it. Whenever Moses’ hands began to grow heavy and let down, the Amalekites prevailed. As long as his staff was raised there was victory. Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands until the sun set. As a result, Joshua and his troops were able to crush the army of Amalek.

In the Old Testament, a banner, or standard as it was sometimes called, was used as a signal to rally soldiers together and that the battle was to begin. It also symbolized God’s presence, protection and aid to the people.

When God is present, when He steps into our situation, there is victory. Isaiah 59:19 says, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” When we call upon him, He raises the banner to say, “the battle is about to begin”. In 2 Chronicles 20:15, King Jehoshaphat and the inhabitants of Jerusalem had to be reminded, “Be not afraid nor dismayed of this great multitude; the battle is not yours, but God’s”. Sometimes, when we are face to face with the enemy it seems like victory is not in sight. But we are HIS children, the battle we face is not ours but His. He is with us to help us and fight our battles. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). If He could fight battles for His children then, He can do it now.

In Acts 2:21 it says, “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved”. The word saved here is used as follows: to save, that is, deliver or protect: heal, preserve, save, do well, be made whole. We can be assured that when we call upon Him, He will, save, deliver, heal, protect and preserve. There is no problem too big, God cannot solve it. There is no mountain too tall, God cannot move it. There is no storm too dark, God cannot calm. There is no sorrow too deep, God cannot soothe it. ALL things are possible through him. He is our banner...He is victory – Our Jehovah-Nissi!