And Moses built an altar and name it, “The Lord is My Banner.” He said, “Indeed, my hand is lifted toward The Lord’s throne. The Lord will be at war with Amalek from generation to generation.” Genesis 17:15-16 CSB
For the past two months, the Lord has been leading me to learn more about His character and promises through His name. Early last month, I shared two posts on Elohim, God our Creator, and El Roi, God Sees Us. Today, I want to talk to you about Yahweh Nissi, The Lord is my Banner (Jehovah Nissi).
Who takes on your mountain and fights your battles?
When I was a child, I always relied on my earthly father to fight my battles. These were not just physical battles but also emotional and spiritual as well. Fear was one of the biggest problems I have dealt with for years. Since I was a baby, I have battled sickness and been afraid of the unknown as well as losing my parents and other loved ones. You’re probably wondering how my father fought my battles. Well, the answer is pretty simple; my father protected me, comforted me when I was afraid, and prayed for me when my illnesses prevented me from facing those giants on my own. I can still remember, even as a young adult, how my father would turn on a light and stayed by my side until I fell asleep on sleepless nights when fear would paralyze me.
Twenty-five years ago today, my father passed away and went to be with the Lord. The first few years after his death were difficult, and I felt lost and alone. The first few years were difficult ones. I found myself lost and forsaken. I was emotionally, spiritually and physically paralyzed by fear. It wasn’t until 2016, that the Lord revealed Himself to me as my Father. He showed me how much He loved me even in the times when I was unable to see Him. I discovered from His Word and through fellowship with other believers, that it wasn’t only my earthly Father who protected me while he was alive, but it was actually Yahweh (Jehovah) who was protecting me through my earthly father.
According to Exodus 17, we learn that the Israelites were being attacked by the Amalekites. Moses instructed Joshua to choose some men to go with him and fight against the Amalek. Moses assured Joshua that he would hold God’s staff in his hands as he stood on the hilltop. The Israelites would prevail as long as Moses’ hands were lifted in prayer; however, when Moses grew weak and lowered his hands, the Amalekites would overtake the Israelites in battle. So, Aaron and Hur helped Moses by placing a rock under him, and held up Moses’ arms during the battle. Despite being their leader and the Lord’s servant, Moses’s body grew weary, and he was unable to complete God’s task on his own. Just like Moses, there are times when we are unable to finish God’s work by ourselves. We may need words of encouragement or the prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
In Exodus 17:14-15 we read, “The Lord then said to Moses, “Write this down and recite it to Joshua: I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek under heaven.’ And Moses built an altar and named it, “The Lord is My Banner.” Moses understood that without Yahweh Nissi, the God who fights our battles, they would not have been able to defeat the Amalekites.
So why is Yahweh Nissi called “The Lord is My Banner”?
In ancient times, armies carried wooden banners that represented their identity and functioned as a means of identification. Similar to a flag, a banner could be seen from a great distance and was used by the soldiers to gather before a battle. Banners have historically been used in Babylon, Persia and ancient Egypt. The Israelites carried their banner as they marched through the desert.
David is about to fight Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:47. Like Moses, David knew that Yahweh Nissi was his banner and the one who would fight for him.
“Today, the Lord will hand you over to me. Today, I’ll strike you down, remove your head, and give the corpses of the Philistine camp to the birds of the sky and the wild creatures of the earth. Then, all the world will know that Israel has a God. And this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s. He will hand you over to us.”
The word Nissi describes a flag or banner. God is victorious in battle, and the flag of His victory is lifted high. He is the victorious one. The Lord is our banner. Both Moses and David recognized that Yahweh Nissi is the One who fought their battles. As Moses and David did, we are praying to the God who is able to fight our battles and overcome all our enemies when we pray to Yahweh Nissi.
Beloved, when we face a battle, whether it be spiritual, emotional, or physical, we cannot fight it in the flesh. We must rely on Yahweh Nissi to fight for us. He is our only hope. Psalm 20:5 says, “We raise a victory banner.” When we lift the Lord high, people see it and realize that Jesus is our Savior and Victor. Only through Him will we be victorious. We need to trust that He will rescue us. We have such a wonderful assurance today: Jesus is our banner of salvation.
Here are some questions to help you meditate on Yahweh Nissi’s faithfulness:
1. The Amalekites were Israel’s enemies and were the first ones to attack the
Israelites after God took them out of Egypt (See Deuteronomy 25:17-19). As
children of God, we face spiritual enemies that will constantly try to
destroy God’s plans and purpose for our lives. What enemies or giants do you
face today? How can knowing that Yahweh Nissi fights your battles bring you
comfort?
2. When Moses grew tired of holding up his hands, Aaron and Hur helped him.
Can you recall the last time you felt weary during your battle and Yahweh
Nissi sent someone to help you? How did they help you?
3. How is Jesus God’s banner of victory for us?
The Scripture gives many examples of Yahweh Nissi fighting for His children. Here are some verses from the Bible you can meditate on. If you know of any Scriptures where you have seen Yahweh Nissi, The Lord My Banner, please share them with me.
• Psalms 20 60:4—”Let us shout for joy at your victory and lift the banner in
the name of the Lord.”
• Song of Songs 2:4—”His banner over us is love.”
• Isaiah 11:10-12; 49:22-25 –” Jesus is the root of Jesse who will stand as a
banner for God’s people.”
• John 3:14-15—”The Son of Man will be lifted so that whoever believes in Him
may have eternal life.”
• 1 -Corinthians 1:18—Jesus delivered us from eternal suffering.
Prayer:
Yahweh Nissi, my Lord and the One who fights for me, thank You for Your love, faithfulness, and deliverance from eternal separation from God. Help me, Lord, to remember that the mountains I face, I don’t face alone. You are the God who fights for me. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Therefore, I should not be afraid when facing a giant, for You Lord are my shield; You’re the God of the valley and the mountain; nothing is impossible for You. So, I lift a shout of joy for my battles belong to You, Yahweh Nissi, who fights for me. In Jesus’ name, I give You all the glory, amen.
Reference
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible. Holman Bible Publishers 2017
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