29 September 2024

JEHOVAH-NISSI: THE LORD OUR BANNER

(The Names Of God: TNOG 9)

God has many names, each one revealing a different characteristic of His Nature. One very meaningful Name of God is Jehovah-Nissi, which means "The Lord Our Banner." This Name is found in Exodus 17:15, where Moses built an Altar and called it Jehovah-Nissi after the Israelites had defeated the Amalekites in battle. In doing this, Moses wanted God's people to know that the battle belongs to the Lord and He gives the victory. It is also to teach that God’s people must give their full allegiance to the LORD and trust Him fully..

Nissi comes from the Hebrew word Nes (nês), meaning “something lifted up as a standard or banner”. The Septuagint translators believed nis·si′ to be derived from nus (flee for refuge) and rendered it "The Lord My Refuge".

The word "banner" refers to a flag or standard that is raised above the troops in battle. It was a symbol of the tribe or nation that it represented and served as a rallying point for the soldiers. This speaks also of unity and oneness in the community of God’s people. As Christians, we are called to unite together under the Banner of Christ and to be courageous in standing up for righteousness. Jehovah-Nissi is a reminder of our identity, purpose, and mission as God's people. Let us lift it high and trust in the Lord our Banner.

Jehovah-Nissi is also a symbol of God's Presence and Protection over His people. The prophet Isaiah declared, “When the enemy comes upon us like a flood, the Lord will raise up a standard against him”. The Psalmist said, “The Lord is our Refuge and Strength, an Ever-Present Help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). The Lord is with us always, even to the end of the age.

Hence when we face challenges and difficulties in life, we can raise the Banner of Jehovah-Nissi and trust that God is with us, fighting our battles on our behalf. This reminds us that we can overcome any obstacle through faith in God. As Paul said, “Thanks be to God Who always leads us in triumph in Christ” (2 Cor.2:14). In Christ we are more than conquerors.

For Moses and the Israelites, their first battle on the way to the Promised Land showed that God was their Banner. He called his people to rally to him. The Lord went before His people, protecting them and triumphing over their enemies. In the very real spiritual battles we fight every day, including the command to love our enemies, let us remember that Yahweh Nissi, “the LORD is our Banner.” And His Banner over us, through Jesus Christ, is love.

In the context of Exodus 17, Moses had to raise his staff for the Israelites to prevail. In the same way, we must lift up the Banner of Jehovah-Nissi in the face of adversity and opposition, especially in spiritual warfare. It requires courage and boldness to stand up for what is right and to proclaim the Truth and Power of God's Word. But when we do, we can trust that God will fight for us and give us the victory. Just He said to Joshua: “No man shall be able to stand against you all the days of your life, for I am with you” (Josh 1:5). Amen!

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