“And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi.”
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.
Moses built an altar: 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.
The name Jehovahnissi: Moses called the altar “Jehovahnissi,” which means “The Lord is my banner” or “The Lord is my victory.” 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.
Symbolism of the name: 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.
Application for believers today:
- Acknowledging God’s help: 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.
- Trusting in God’s faithfulness: 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.
- Recognizing God’s sovereignty: 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.
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.
