Exodus 17:15

And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it JEHOVAH–nissi:

Exodus 17:15 (KJV)

Context

The book of Exodus recounts the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses. In this particular passage, the Israelites have just defeated the Amalekites in a battle at Rephidim. This is the first recorded instance in Scripture of Moses building an altar and giving it a name that directly attributes victory to God.

Meaning

After the victory over the Amalekites, Moses built an altar. Altars were important structures in the Old Testament used for offering sacrifices and worshiping God. Building an altar was an act of gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s presence and help. Moses called the altar “Jehovahnissi,” which means “The Lord is my banner” or “The Lord is my victory.” The name combines the divine name Jehovah (Yahweh) with the Hebrew word for banner or standard, signifying that the victory was not by Israel’s own strength but by the Lord’s power and presence. This name highlights the significance of God’s role in the battle against the Amalekites. The victory was attributed to God, and Moses wanted to commemorate it by naming the altar accordingly.

The name “Jehovahnissi” carries several symbolic meanings:

• Banner of the Lord: In ancient times, a banner was a visible symbol carried into battle, representing a nation or a particular deity. By calling God his banner, Moses recognized that it was God who fought on their behalf and gave them victory.

• Reminder of God’s faithfulness: The name “Jehovahnissi” also serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision throughout the Israelites’ journey. Whenever the Israelites saw the altar or heard the name, they would remember the battle, the victory, and God’s continued presence with them.

• Proclamation of God’s sovereignty: By naming the altar “Jehovahnissi,” Moses declared God’s sovereignty over their enemies. It acknowledged that their victory was not by their own strength but by God’s power and intervention.

Biblical connections

The altar also prefigures Christ, who is the ultimate victor over sin and death, and in whom believers find their true banner and refuge.

Application

Like Moses, we should acknowledge and give thanks to God for His help and provision in our lives. Whenever we experience victories or triumphs, we should remember that it is God who gives us success. Just as the Israelites were reminded of God’s faithfulness when they saw the altar, we can also remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness by reflecting on His past acts of deliverance in our lives. This can strengthen our trust and confidence in Him for the challenges we face. We should recognize that God is sovereign over all aspects of our lives. He has power and authority over our enemies, be they physical, emotional, or spiritual. We can find courage and hope knowing that God fights on our behalf.

Reflection

The altar served as a lasting memorial of God’s deliverance and as a public testimony to future generations. The practical application is to remember and publicly acknowledge God’s deliverance in our lives, building “altars” of remembrance through worship and testimony. In Exodus 17:15, Moses’ act of building an altar and naming it “Jehovahnissi” demonstrates his gratitude, recognition of God’s help, and his desire to commemorate the victory over the Amalekites. It serves as a reminder for us to acknowledge God’s provision, trust in His faithfulness, and recognize His sovereignty in our lives.