Exodus 17:15
And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My Banner,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Moses didn't just name the altar; he declared that the LORD Himself is the banner, signifying that Israel's victory wasn't due to their own strength or a physical flag, but to God's active leadership and protection. This is a crucial distinction, highlighting that their triumph was a direct result of His presence and power, not mere circumstance.
Following a surprise attack by the Amalekites, Moses instructed Joshua to lead the battle while he, Aaron, and Hur ascended a nearby hilltop. As Moses held up his hands with the staff of God, Israel gained the upper hand, but when his hands grew weary, Amalek prevailed. After God commanded Moses to write this event for remembrance and assured him of total destruction for Amalek, Moses built an altar to commemorate the victory.
Why did Moses name the altar 'The LORD Is My Banner' after a battle? It wasn't just a trophy; it was a declaration of who deserved the credit.
When the Israelites, led by Joshua, finally defeated the Amalekites, Moses didn't just celebrate a military win. He built an altar and named it 'Jehovah-nissi,' meaning 'The LORD Is My Banner.' This act declared that God Himself was their leader and their standard in battle.
Think of a military banner: it rallies the troops, represents their cause, and signifies their identity. By calling God their banner, Moses was saying that God was the one calling them to fight, the one giving them strength, and the one guaranteeing their victory. It’s a powerful reminder that our greatest victories aren't won by our own might, but by following the One who leads us.
Beyond a simple memorial, this altar served as a constant reminder that victory comes from God's intervention, not human effort.
The altar Moses built wasn't just a marker of a past event; it was designed to preserve the memory of God's powerful intervention. The victory over Amalek was significant because it was the first major military engagement for the newly freed Israelites, and it happened during a time of testing their faith.
This victory wasn't achieved by Israel's military prowess alone. It was directly linked to Moses' intercession on the hilltop, with Aaron and Hur supporting his hands. When Moses' hands were raised, Israel prevailed; when they fell, Amalek gained ground. This dynamic underscored that God was actively fighting for them. The altar, Jehovah-nissi, stands as a testament to this truth: God is the source of our triumphs, especially when we are weak and rely on Him.
Understand the original words
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
A structure, often made of earth or stones, used for sacrifice or as a monument to commemorate a significant divine encounter or intervention. Altars represent a place of meeting between God and man.
nes · Hebrew Noun
A standard, flag, or signal pole used to rally troops or identify a gathering point. As a divine title, it signifies that God is the source of Israel’s protection, identity, and victory.
The naming of the altar Jehovah-nissi ('The LORD Is My Banner') highlights that this victory wasn't just a military success, but a profound declaration of God's active, protective leadership over His people as they journeyed.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Emerge from Egypt
Following God's powerful deliverance from slavery, the Israelites begin their journey toward the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC
Quarrels Over Water
The Israelites, facing thirst in the desert, grumble against Moses and test the Lord at Massah and Meribah.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Amalek Attacks Israel
The Amalekites, descendants of Esau, launch a surprise rear-guard attack on the vulnerable Israelites in Rephidim.
c. 1446 BC
Moses' Hands Held High
Moses, with Aaron and Hur supporting his arms, holds the staff of God aloft, symbolizing Israel's reliance on God for victory.
c. 1446 BC
This Psalm speaks of rejoicing in salvation and lifting banners in the name of the Lord, echoing the idea of God as a banner under which victory is achieved.
Isaiah 11:10This prophecy describes a future banner (or ensign) raised for the peoples, pointing to the Messiah as a rallying point and symbol of God's people, much like Jehovah-nissi in Exodus.
Judges 6:24Gideon also built an altar and named it 'The LORD Is Peace,' showing a pattern of naming altars to commemorate God's intervention and presence in times of deliverance.
1 Samuel 7:12Samuel set up a stone called Ebenezer, meaning 'Thus far the LORD has helped us,' which serves a similar commemorative purpose to Moses naming the altar Jehovah-nissi, marking a point of God's significant aid.
cambridgeExodus 17:15: "And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:"
15 . Moses erects an altar, to offer upon it a sacrifice of thanksgiving to Jehovah, and to preserve the memory of the victory for the future. For other examples of commemorative altars, with names, see Genesis 33:20 (unless, as the verb used here suggests, ‘standing-stone’ (ch. Exodus 24:4 ) should be read for ‘altar’), Exodus 35:7 , Joshua 22:34 , Jdg 6:24 . Yahweh - nissi ] i.e. Yahweh is my banner , as though…
calvinExodus 17:8-16: "Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim."
But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hut stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
Manus autem Mosis erant graves: itaque tulerunt lapidem et supposuerunt ei, et sedit super ilium, Aharon vero et Hur sustentaverunt manus ejus, alter hinc et alter inde…
Moses didn't just name the altar; he declared that the LORD Himself is the banner, signifying that Israel's victory wasn't due to their own strength or a physical flag, but to God's active leadership and protection. This is a crucial distinction, highlighting that their triumph was a direct result of His presence and power, not mere circumstance.
Following a surprise attack by the Amalekites, Moses instructed Joshua to lead the battle while he, Aaron, and Hur ascended a nearby hilltop. As Moses held up his hands with the staff of God, Israel gained the upper hand, but when his hands grew weary, Amalek prevailed. After God commanded Moses to write this event for remembrance and assured him of total destruction for Amalek, Moses built an altar to commemorate the victory.
Following a surprise attack by the Amalekites, Moses instructed Joshua to lead the battle while he, Aaron, and Hur ascended a nearby hilltop. As Moses held up his hands with the staff of God, Israel gained the upper hand, but when his hands grew weary, Amalek prevailed. After God commanded Moses to write this event for remembrance and assured him of total destruction for Amalek, Moses built an altar to commemorate the victory.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Exodus 17:15 is available in the Sola app.
Joshua Leads the Battle
Joshua and the Israelite warriors fight valiantly against the Amalekites, winning the battle as long as Moses' hands are raised.
c. 1446 BC
Altar of the Lord Is My Banner
Moses erects an altar and names it 'The LORD Is My Banner' (Jehovah-nissi) to commemorate God's decisive victory and leadership.
c. 1446 BC
God Vows War Against Amalek
The Lord declares His intention to wage war against Amalek from generation to generation, promising their eventual destruction.
"And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My Banner," — Moses didn't just name the altar; he declared that the LORD Himself is the banner, signifying that Israel's victory wasn't due to their own strength or a physical flag, but to God's active leadersh…
