What’s in a Name: Jehovah Nissi

What’s in a Name: Jehovah Nissi
Exodus 17:8-16


Introduction 

Today’s sermon focuses on the name "Jehovah Nissi," meaning "The Lord, Our Banner."  Pastor Steven in a series of sermons exploring the names of God.  Today’s message is drawing from Exodus 17:8–16, pastor Steven explains how God revealed Himself as Jehovah Nissi during the Israelites’ battle against the Amalekites.  Through this message that God is the rallying point, refuge, and defender for His people, with Jesus as the ultimate banner. Key points include the importance of giving God glory for victories, the necessity of community support, and the primacy of spiritual warfare through prayer over physical or political conflicts.  This is a call for increased prayer to experience more of God’s presence and power, urging believers to rally around Jesus and the cross, not worldly causes.

Understanding Jehovah Nissi

"Nissi" means a raised standard, signal, or refuge, symbolizing God as the rallying point and defender.

I. Biblical Context: Exodus 17:8–16

    A. Setting

        i. The Israelites, recently freed from Egyptian slavery, are attacked by the
                    Amalekites at Rephidim.

        ii. The Amalekites exploit the vulnerable former slaves en route to the Promised Land.

        iii. Moses instructs Joshua to lead the fight while he stands on a hill with the staff of God

        iv. When Moses’ hands are raised, the Israelites prevail; when lowered,
                    the Amalekites gain the advantage.

        v. Aaron and Hur support Moses by holding his hands up, ensuring victory by sunset.

    B. Outcome

        i. Joshua defeats the Amalekites.

        ii. God instructs Moses to record the victory, promising to erase Amalek’s memory.

        iii. Moses builds an altar named Yahweh-Nissi, declaring God as the banner.

II. Key Lessons

    A. God Gets the Glory

        i. Humans participate in God’s work (e.g., fighting battles, supporting leaders),
                    but God deserves the glory.

        ii. Example: Athletes or leaders giving credit to God after victories.

    B. We Need Each Other

        i. Aaron and Hur’s support for Moses illustrates the importance of community.

        ii. Every role, no matter how small (even  holding hands up), is vital.

    C. The Spiritual Battle is Paramount

        i. Moses’ raised hands symbolize prayer and dependence on God.

        ii. The Israelites, former slaves, relied on God’s strength, not their own.

        iii. Encourages increased prayer to experience God’s presence and power.

III. Applications to Modern Believers

    A. A Call to Prayer

    B. Understand our warfare is spiritual

        i. Clarifies that the battle is not against people or political ideologies but spiritual forces (2 Corinthians 10:3–5).

        ii. A call to Reject physical or political fighting, emphasizing love for enemies and prayer
                    (New Testament contrast with Old Testament battles).

    C. Rally around Jesus

        i. Jesus, not a nation, person or movement, is the banner.

        ii. The cross represents victory and unity for believers.

        iii. Fix eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.








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