Stand Firm: He Is Who He Says He Is! Jehovah Nissi.
Jehovah Nissi – The Lord is Our Banner
On February 23, 1945, war photographer Joe Rosenthal captured a moment that would become one of the most iconic images of World War II. His photograph showed five U.S. Marines and one Navy corpsman raising the American flag on top of Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. This event was part of the Pacific War, where the strategic island of Iwo Jima was heavily defended by Japanese forces. The Americans knew that capturing this island was critical for their success, no matter the cost. The image of the flag being raised was powerful for many reasons. It represented hope, victory, and a sense of unity. Despite the chaos and bloodshed of war, the flag – this banner – symbolized that they were on the winning side. It served as a reminder to the soldiers of who they were fighting for and who’s side they were on. This flag became a focal point, a symbol of unity, and a sign of victory amidst the battle.
Similarly, in the Bible, we see a powerful battle where God’s people experience victory under a banner, Jehovah Nissi.
The Battle Against the Amalekites.
In Exodus 17:8-16, we read the story of Israel’s battle against the Amalekites. The Amalekites were a constant threat, and they attacked Israel at their most vulnerable point. As Deuteronomy 25:17-18 recounts, they struck when Israel was exhausted and weary, targeting those who were lagging behind. Isn't that often when the enemy attacks us—when we’re tired, weary, and vulnerable?
Moses recognized the severity of the situation. He instructed Joshua to take an army and fight the Amalekites while he climbed a hill, holding the staff of God in his hand. This story beautifully demonstrates that there are both physical and spiritual battles. While Joshua fought in the valley, Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the hilltop to intercede on behalf of the army. As long as Moses held the staff of God high, the Israelites prevailed. But when his arms grew tired and lowered, the Amalekites gained the upper hand. In a touching moment of teamwork and support, Aaron and Hur helped Moses hold his arms up, and because of their collective effort, Joshua and the Israelites won the battle.
After the victory, Moses built an altar and named it Yahweh Nissi—“The Lord is my Banner” (Exodus 17:15).
What Does it Mean for the Lord to Be Our Banner?
In this story, Moses commemorated the victory by acknowledging that the Lord was their banner. He knew that, though they had fought the battle, it was God who had secured the victory. Israel, compared to the surrounding nations, was always the underdog. But what set them apart was not their military strength, resources, or numbers. It was the presence of God among them. Jehovah Nissi means that the Lord is the One who fights for us, and when we are united under His banner, we are victorious.
The concept of a banner in ancient times was a rallying point, a symbol of identity and unity. It was something that armies looked to in battle as a reminder of who they were fighting for. Under this banner, they found hope, courage, and strength. Likewise, when we raise the banner of Jehovah Nissi, we declare that we are fighting under God's name, for His purposes, and with His strength.
Reflecting on Our Own Banners
Let’s bring this into our own context. What banner are you raising in your workplace, your school, your community, or your home? Is it a banner of compromise, materialism, self, or indifference? Or are you raising the banner that declares, “Jehovah Nissi, God is my banner”? When we raise God’s banner, the challenges, obstacles, and enemies we face don’t stand a chance. God has already won the battle, and we need to remember that victory is assured when we surrender our lives to Him.
Moses knew that Israel didn’t have the military might or resources to defeat Amalek. But they had something far more powerful: Jehovah Nissi. Moses, Aaron, and Hur understood a vital truth—when we lift our arms in surrender to God, when we give everything to Him, He steps in and brings victory into our lives and situations. This is why worship and prayer are so important. When we raise our praise, when we declare God’s goodness even in difficult circumstances, we are lifting the banner of Jehovah Nissi over our lives.
His Banner Over Us is Love
In the Song of Solomon 2:4, we read, “He brought me to His banqueting table, and His banner over me is love.” This verse gives us a fuller understanding of what it means for God to be our banner. His banner is not just one of protection and victory—it is a banner of love. God’s love is both protective and transformative. His leadership in our lives is driven by His deep, unconditional love for us. Victory in our battles isn’t just about defeating our enemies; it’s about being drawn into a deeper relationship of love with Him.
Questions for Reflection and Application
- What "banners" are you raising in your life—at work, school, or home? Are they reflective of your faith in God, or do they represent other priorities?
- How does the concept of Jehovah Nissi challenge your understanding of who fights your battles? Are there areas in your life where you need to surrender to God's leadership?
- When you think of "His banner over me is love," how does that change your perspective on God's victories in your life? Do you see them as acts of love?
Jon Baldwin, HOME Church