“God said to Moses, ‘Write this up as a reminder to Joshua, to keep it before him, because I will most certainly wipe the very memory of Amalek off the face of the Earth.’ Moses built an altar and named it ‘God My Banner.’”
Exodus 17:14–16a (MSG)

Key points

• In ancient times, a banner or flag was a standard raised high during battles symbolising victory, rallying troops and serving as a point of focus.
• By declaring God as our banner, we affirm their identity in Him and our collective faith and dependence on God.
• Listen to the Names of God (Old Testament) series and others on Real Hope | The Podcast.

You really need to read the whole of chapter 17.

What a battle! The short story – while Moses raised his hands holding God’s staff, the Israelites were winning.

If he lowered his arms, the Amalekites would start to win.

After a MacGyver-like move to keep Moses’ arms up, the Israelites won a decisive battle against the Amalekites, and Moses built an altar and named it Jehovah Nissi – the Lord is my Banner.

A banner or flag was a standard raised high during battles symbolising victory, rallying troops and serving as a point of focus.

In ancient times, a banner or flag was a standard raised high during battles symbolising victory, rallying troops and serving as a point of focus.

Our God in Exodus is our protector and leader.

But a banner also serves as a guide, indicating direction and leadership.

For the Israelites and for us, if we look to God, we will find direction and support.

Banners often represent identity and unity for a group.

By declaring God as our banner, we affirm their identity in Him and our collective faith and dependence on God.

By declaring God as our banner, we affirm their identity in Him and our collective faith and dependence on God.

The act of raising a banner is an act of proclamation and trust.

When Moses named the altar ‘Jehovah Nissi’, it was an expression of faith that acknowledged God’s sovereignty and expressed trust in Him.

May the banner you take into the battles and journey of your life, the banner you raise in the good and the bad times, be the true, victorious, protector, guide and unifying God of the Bible.

Listen to this episode in the player above.

Names of God (Old Testament) is a seven-week series. God has many different names in the Bible. This Real Hope podcast and article series explores seven names which are found in the Old Testament: Jehovah-Rohi, Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah-Rapha, Jehovah-Nissi, Jehovah-Shalom, Jehovah-Tsidkenu and Jehovah-Shammah.

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Feature image: Photo by CanvaPro

Episode supplied with thanks to Aaron Wright.

Originally published as ‘Jehovah-Nissi: God Is My Banner’ in Real Hope, September-October 2024.