S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Jehovah-Nissi (more properly Yahweh-Nissi) means "the Lord is our banner" in Hebrew. The name Jehovah-Nissi appears only once in the Bible, in Exodus 17:15. Moses, after the children of Israel defe...

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April 27 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the meaning of Jehovah-Nissi?

Jehovah Nissi (more accurately Yahweh-Nissi) is a Hebrew name for God that translates to "The Lord is my banner."

The name appears only once in the Bible, in Exodus 17:15, when Moses built an altar after the Israelites miraculously defeated the Amalekites in the desert.

A Banner of Victory: In ancient times, a banner or standard was raised on a hill as a rallying point for warriors or as a flag to signify which nation had won a battle. By naming the altar Jehovah Nissi, Moses declared that God was the focal point of their hope and the ultimate source of their triumph.

Divine Presence & Protection: The Bible recounts that during the battle, the Israelites were winning only as long as Moses held up the "staff of God". The name signifies that God is always present with His people, guiding them, protecting them, and fighting their battles.

When the armies met in battle, Moses, along with his associates, Aaron and Hur, stood on a nearby hill, holding high "the rod of God" in his hand. As long as he held the rod aloft, Israel was winning and pushing back the enemy. But when he grew tired and let his hand drop, the Amalekites would gain the upper hand.

All day long, Aaron and Hur stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands with the rod held high. And God gave Israel the victory over their enemies. At the close of the battle, "Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner" (Exodus 17:15). By building the altar, Moses showed that he recognised the Lord as the source of their victory.

The name of the memorial altar erected by Moses after Israel's successful battle against the Amalekites at Rephidim.​—Ex 17:8, 13-16.

The name means "Jehovah Is My Signal Pole," deriving nis·siʹ from nes (signal pole). The Greek Septuagint translators understood nis·siʹ to be derived from nus (flee for refuge), thus giving it the meaning "Jehovah Is My Refuge," while in the Latin Vulgate it was thought to be derived from na·sasʹ (hoist; lift), thus giving it the meaning "Jehovah Is My Exaltation."​—Ex 17:15, ftn.

What lessons can we take away from this story? What does Jehovah Nissi—The-Lord-Is-My-Banner—mean to us today?

1: God does not leave us to fight our battles in our own strength.

2: God expects us to cooperate with Him as He works on our behalf.

3: We can help others to gain the victories God wants for them.

4: It is important to remember and celebrate the way God has led us and the victories He has provided.

5: We should express gratitude for God's blessings. 

The psalmist wrote: "You have raised a banner to... save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered" (Psalm 60:4, 5, NIV). By expressing our gratitude to God, we show our love for Him—and we encourage others.

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