And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My Banner,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses didn't just name the altar, he declared God's active leadership in their victory. "The LORD Is My Banner" isn't just a title for God, but a declaration that God Himself was the standard under which they fought and the source of their triumph. This highlights that their success wasn't accidental but a direct result of God's presence and provision, turning their victory into a perpetual reminder of His power.
And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My Banner,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Right after the Israelites miraculously received water from a rock, they were attacked by the Amalekites, a surprise assault that aimed to wipe them out. During this fierce battle, Moses stood on a hilltop with his hands raised, holding God's rod, while Joshua led the fighting below. As Moses’ arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur supported him, and with God’s power working through Moses’ intercession, Israel gained a decisive victory.
When we face overwhelming odds, who or what do we rally behind? Moses declared a powerful truth after a hard-won victory.
After the Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites, Moses built an altar and named it "Jehovah-nissi," which means "The LORD is My Banner."
A Banner Signals Leadership
Just as an army rallies around its banner, which represents its nation and its leader, Moses proclaimed that God Himself was their banner. This wasn't just a symbol; it was a declaration that God was their ultimate leader, the one under whom they fought, and the source of their protection and courage.
More Than a Symbol
The victory wasn't due to Israel's strength, but to God's intervention. The altar served as a physical reminder that God, their banner, was the reason for their triumph. It was a public testimony to the entire community.
Victories, big or small, are opportunities to remember God's power. Moses established a lasting memorial to ensure this remembrance.
The act of building an altar and naming it Jehovah-nissi was more than just a celebration of a single battle. It was a deliberate act to create a lasting memorial.
Commemorating Divine Intervention
In ancient times, altars often served as places to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and to remember God's mighty deeds. Moses' altar was a monument to remind the Israelites that their victory over the Amalekites was not by their own might, but by the power and faithfulness of the Lord.
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A Legacy for Future Generations
This memorial was intended to ensure that the memory of God's intervention would not fade. It served as a tangible link to the past, encouraging faith and trust in God's continued presence and protection for future generations facing their own battles.
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.
This victory wasn't just a military triumph; it was a foundational moment where Israel learned to see God, not Moses or their own strength, as their ultimate leader and protector, symbolized by the banner He provided.
~1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
After 400 years of slavery, God miraculously delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage under the leadership of Moses.
c. 1446-1445 BC
Journey through the Wilderness
The Israelites, numbering in the millions, began their journey toward the Promised Land, experiencing God's provision and facing challenges.
c. 1445 BC— this verse
Battle of Rephidim
The Amalekites, descendants of Esau who held a long-standing grudge against Jacob's line, launched a surprise attack on the rear of the Israelite camp. Moses directed the battle from a hilltop, with his hands raised holding the staff of God, symbolizing God's banner over Israel.
c. 1445 BC
Altar of Jehovah-Nissi Built
Following the miraculous victory, Moses built an altar and named it 'The LORD Is My Banner' to commemorate God's power and protection.
c. 1445 BC
God's Decree Against Amalek
The LORD declared His intention to wage war against Amalek from generation to generation, vowing to blot out their memory.
c. 1070 BC
Destruction of the Amalekites
Centuries later, King Saul fulfilled God's decree by attacking and defeating the Amalekites.
This passage describes Gideon building an altar to the LORD and naming it 'The LORD Is Peace,' highlighting the practice of naming altars to commemorate God's deliverance and presence, similar to Moses' act in Exodus 17:15.
Psalm 20:5This psalm speaks of 'lifting our banners' in the name of God, echoing the concept of God being a banner or standard under which His people fight and gain victory, as implied by Jehovah-nissi.
Isaiah 11:10This prophecy envisions a future time when a 'banner' will be lifted up for the peoples, and nations will seek the LORD, showing the enduring imagery of God as a standard of hope and gathering.
Joshua 4:20-24After crossing the Jordan, Joshua set up memorial stones to remember God's mighty deeds. This parallels Moses' erection of the altar, both serving as tangible reminders of God's powerful intervention in the lives of His people.
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 God's active leadership in their victory. "The LORD Is My Banner" isn't just a title for God, but a declaration that God Himself was the standard under which they fought and the source of their triumph. This highlights that their success wasn't accidental but a direct result of God's presence and provision, turning their victory into a perpetual reminder of His power.
Right after the Israelites miraculously received water from a rock, they were attacked by the Amalekites, a surprise assault that aimed to wipe them out. During this fierce battle, Moses stood on a hilltop with his hands raised, holding God's rod, while Joshua led the fighting below. As Moses’ arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur supported him, and with God’s power working through Moses’ intercession, Israel gained a decisive victory.
Right after the Israelites miraculously received water from a rock, they were attacked by the Amalekites, a surprise assault that aimed to wipe them out. During this fierce battle, Moses stood on a hilltop with his hands raised, holding God's rod, while Joshua led the fighting below. As Moses’ arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur supported him, and with God’s power working through Moses’ intercession, Israel gained a decisive victory.
"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 God's active leadership in their victory. "The LORD Is My Banner" isn't just a title for God, but a declaration that God Himself was the standard under w…
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Last reviewed October 2026