What is the meaning of Jehovah-Nissi?

Response

Jehovah-Nissi (more accurately Yahweh-Nissi) means “the Lord is our banner” in Hebrew. The term Jehovah-Nissi is found only once in the Bible, in Exodus 17:15. After the Israelites defeated the Amalekites, Moses built an altar and named it Jehovah-Nissi.

The significance of the name Jehovah-Nissi relates to the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness following their liberation from Egypt. During this time, they were assaulted by the Amalekites, a formidable and militant nomadic tribe. In the ensuing battle, Moses positioned himself on a hilltop overlooking the armies. He held the “rod of God” in his hand—the same rod he had used to strike a rock and bring forth water for the people in the desert (Exodus 17:5-6).

The battle unfolded in a peculiar manner: “As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning” «And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. », (Exodus 17:11). As Moses grew tired, his arms had to be supported by his brother Aaron and a man named Hur. At sunset, Israel emerged victorious over the Amalekites (verses 12–13). Following the battle, Moses erected an altar and named it Jehovah-Nissi, signifying “the Lord is my banner.”

The unconventional outcome of the battle clearly attributed the victory to a higher power. The Israelites prevailed only when the rod of God was raised. The triumph was not achieved through military strength or strategic warfare but by the divine intervention of God. “The battle is the Lord’s” «And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands. », (James 5:16). Moses’ weariness, evidenced by the lowering of his hands, illustrates the truth that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” «Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. », (Mark 14:38). The naming of the altar Jehovah-Nissi is a reminder to believers of every era that we can only be victorious as we honor the name of the Lord and rally to Him as our Banner.