Over the past few months, God has been drawing me into his name Jehovah Nissi, which means, The Lord is my Banner. We find this name recorded in the Bible in Exodus 17:15. In this verse, Moses builds an altar and names it Jehovah Nissi after the Israelites defeat the Amalekites in battle. The Amalekites were an ancient nation living near the land of Canaan. They were the first nation to attack the Jewish people after the Exodus from Egypt. In verse 8 it says that Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. The word Amalekite comes from the root word Amalak which means to travail, vexation and sorrow. They took advantage of the vulnerabilities and weakness of the Israelites after years of slavery and lack of experience in warfare. Rephidim in Hebrew means place of rest. It was under the banner of God that the Israelites found victory from their enemy and rest.
The enemy will often try to take advantage of our vulnerable moments and tempt us to step out from under the covering and protection of God. But there are ways we can continue to abide in rest. A banner refers to a flag or standard that is raised above troops in battle. It serves as a rallying point for soldiers. Jehovah Nissi represents the presence and protection of God for his people. When we face challenges and difficulties in life, we can trust and rest in the fact that God has defeated our enemy and we are standing in a place of victory in Christ. The Israelites did not win the battle because of their own strength, but God’s power on their behalf. In the same way, we cannot rely on our own abilities and resources to overcome the tests and trials of the enemy.
Secondly, Jehovah Nissi represents unity in a group of people. In the ancient world, each tribe had its own banner that identified them as a distinct group. In the same way, as Christians, we are called to unite together under the banner of Jesus Christ. We find encouragement and rest in a community of believers who are working together for Kingdom purposes. We are less vulnerable to the enemy, when we are connected in community.
Lastly, there is an invitation of relational intimacy with Jesus as Jehovah Nissi that keeps us in a place of rest and abiding with him. In Song of Songs 2:4 it says, “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me is love.” (ESV) In the context of the verse, the banner signifies that believers are under Christ’s care and authority, marked by his love. It also suggests that Christ’s love is a declaration of triumph over sin and death, and a protective covering.
Steps in Pursuit
- Psalm 20 is a prayer of victory over enemies. In verse 5 says, “We will sing for joy over your victory, And in the name of our God we will set up banners.” If there is a challenge or struggle you are facing, ask God to cover you with his banner of victory.
- Spend time resting in the love of Christ, imagining the banner he has spread over you.
- If you have been in a season where you have been isolated or disconnected from community, schedule some time to gather with friends for fellowship and encouragement this week.
I encourage you to invite Jehovah-Nissi to spread his banner over you and your household, bringing his protection and rest.
Continue the Pursuit,
Denise
