Exodus 17:15 - Moses built an altar, and called its name Yahweh our Banner.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 17:15" mean?
Exodus 17:15 states: "Moses built an altar and called its name Yahweh-Nissi," which translates to "The Lord is my Banner." Let's break down the meaning:
Moses Built an Altar: Altars were typically built as places of sacrifice and worship to God. Building an altar was a way to commemorate a significant event and to give thanks to God.
Called its Name Yahweh-Nissi (The Lord is my Banner):
Yahweh is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "LORD" (in all caps) to distinguish it from the generic term "Lord."
Nissi (נִסִּי) means "my banner," "my standard," or "my rallying point." A banner or standard in ancient times was a flag or ensign that a military would carry into battle. It served as a visible symbol of the army's identity, unity, and purpose, and it guided and rallied the troops.
So, putting it together, "Yahweh-Nissi" signifies that God is the Israelites' banner or standard in battle. This means:
God Provides Victory: God is the source of their victory. They don't win because of their own strength or skill, but because of God's power and intervention.
God is their Guide: Just as a banner leads an army, God guides and directs the Israelites in their battles and in life.
God is their Protection: The banner is a symbol of protection and security. They find refuge and safety under God's banner.
God is their Identity: Their identity as a people is linked to God. He is the one they represent and follow.
It's a declaration of trust and reliance on God. It emphasizes that the Israelites did not achieve victory through their own strength but through God's power and presence.
Context of Exodus 17: This event occurs after the Israelites defeated the Amalekites in battle. Moses held up the staff of God during the battle, and as long as his hands were raised, the Israelites prevailed. When he lowered his hands, the Amalekites gained ground. Aaron and Hur supported his arms to ensure the Israelites' victory. The altar and the name "Yahweh-Nissi" are a commemoration of this victory and a recognition that God was the one who enabled them to triumph over their enemies.
In essence, "Yahweh-Nissi" is a powerful statement of faith, acknowledging God as the source of victory, guidance, and protection for His people. It's a reminder to rely on God in times of conflict and to give Him credit for all successes.
Exodus 17:15 - Moses built an altar, and called its name Yahweh our Banner.
What does "Exodus 17:15" mean?
Exodus 17:15 states: "Moses built an altar and called its name Yahweh-Nissi," which translates to "The Lord is my Banner." Let's break down the meaning:
Moses Built an Altar: Altars were typically built as places of sacrifice and worship to God. Building an altar was a way to commemorate a significant event and to give thanks to God.
Called its Name Yahweh-Nissi (The Lord is my Banner):
Yahweh is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "LORD" (in all caps) to distinguish it from the generic term "Lord."
Nissi (נִסִּי) means "my banner," "my standard," or "my rallying point." A banner or standard in ancient times was a flag or ensign that a military would carry into battle. It served as a visible symbol of the army's identity, unity, and purpose, and it guided and rallied the troops.
So, putting it together, "Yahweh-Nissi" signifies that God is the Israelites' banner or standard in battle. This means:
God Provides Victory: God is the source of their victory. They don't win because of their own strength or skill, but because of God's power and intervention.
God is their Guide: Just as a banner leads an army, God guides and directs the Israelites in their battles and in life.
God is their Protection: The banner is a symbol of protection and security. They find refuge and safety under God's banner.
God is their Identity: Their identity as a people is linked to God. He is the one they represent and follow.
It's a declaration of trust and reliance on God. It emphasizes that the Israelites did not achieve victory through their own strength but through God's power and presence.
Context of Exodus 17: This event occurs after the Israelites defeated the Amalekites in battle. Moses held up the staff of God during the battle, and as long as his hands were raised, the Israelites prevailed. When he lowered his hands, the Amalekites gained ground. Aaron and Hur supported his arms to ensure the Israelites' victory. The altar and the name "Yahweh-Nissi" are a commemoration of this victory and a recognition that God was the one who enabled them to triumph over their enemies.
In essence, "Yahweh-Nissi" is a powerful statement of faith, acknowledging God as the source of victory, guidance, and protection for His people. It's a reminder to rely on God in times of conflict and to give Him credit for all successes.