Author: Kelly Hilaire
In the vast tapestry of religious beliefs and traditions, one name that resonates across countless cultures and faiths is that of our God, YAHWEH, “YHWH” seen in the Old Testament book of Exodus 6:3 of the Hebrew bible and in modern translation is translated as Jehovah.
Throughout generations, our God has been known by various names and has captured the hearts and minds of billions, inspiring a deep desire for personal connection and understanding. This morning I present Him to you again as YAWEH NISSI, Jehovah Nissi “The Lord our Banner”.
YAHWEH NISSI is the God that brought Israel out of Egypt all the way to the new land and avenged Israel against her enemies, serving as a pillar of cloud leading them by day and a pillar of fire at night against the armor of the Egyptians.
That same God gave Israel victory over the Amalekites, not under the leadership of Moses but under that of the Perfect Protector YHWH. Amalek came to fight Israel at Rephidim. Moses gave instructions to Joshua to choose the men needed to fight the Amalek. Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. Now, while it seemingly appears as if Moses was the general leading the Israelites YAHWEH Himself was the Supreme Protector who led the Israelites.
In those days in battle, the banner was a rallying point or signal, identifying the army that one belongs to. “And so it was, when Moses held up his hand”, Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.”
And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner; for he said, “Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation" Exodus 17:8-16 NKJV.
This morning may the Lord be your banner!