THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
The United States flag represents a lot of things to its citizens: freedom, democracy, justice, and home. Seeing the flag unfurled inspires a feeling of patriotism in many of us. For so many who served in the military or who lost a family member in war, the flag reminds them of courage and sacrifice.
For American citizens abroad needing assistance, the American flag also represents protection. When an American citizen steps onto the grounds of the U.S. embassy, the stars and stripes remind them they are now under the protection of the United States.
We face times when life throws us such a curve that we can feel alone and exposed—even when we’re surrounded by others. In those moments, we feel vulnerable and under attack. In one moment of Israel’s history, they too were vulnerable and under attack. But God Himself showed that He was on their side; He was their Banner, standing over them with His sovereign protection. We are not alone. We stand under another flag, a banner of protection: God Himself. He stands over every issue we face. God covers us with His protection.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Exodus 17:8-10
8 At Rephidim, Amalek came and fought against Israel. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with God’s staff in my hand.” 10 Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought against Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
The Israelites were now camped at Rephidim, and again the people had no water to drink. (See Ex. 17:1.) Unfortunately, the people responded in their usual way: they grumbled. Although they were testing God, the Lord provided water by instructing Moses to strike the rock with his staff. As when the people had complained about an earlier water problem (see Ex. 15:22-27), God miraculously provided this time too.
The Israelites were about to face a new—and perhaps greater—challenge to their faith. Thirst was the least of their worries because the Amalekites confronted them at Rephidim. The Israelites and the Amalekites had been enemies for generations. The Amalekites were the descendants of Amalek, a grandson of Esau. (See Gen. 36:12.) Even though they were direct descendants of Isaac, they became enemies of Israel, a constant threat to their spiritual and national life. Forty years after the events in Exodus 17, Moses still described the Amalekites as people who “did not fear God” (Deut. 25:18).
It was obvious how the Amalekites’ viewed God because they attacked His people all along the way after they left Egypt. Clearly, however, God was with the Israelites. He had performed miracle after miracle in His work of delivering the people from slavery. God’s hand was on the Israelites, but the Amalekites didn’t care. They still attacked.
Thankfully, we are not left on our own in our struggles and battles. As we will see in the next few verses, the Israelites were not alone—and neither are we.
What daily challenges can make us feel
like we’re in a battle?
Exodus 17:11-13
11 While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed. 12 When Moses’s hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down on it. Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. 13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword.
The battle plan to defeat the Amalekites may seem a bit unorthodox but it was certainly effective. Moses commissioned Joshua to select men to join him in battle as they confronted the enemy. While Joshua was leading the troops, Moses, Aaron, and Hur stood on the top of a nearby hill. Moses had God’s staff in his hand.
Nothing indicates any fear or confusion, which might have been expected, among the Israelites as they faced Amalek. These were wandering people, ill-equipped for battle, yet as long as Moses held up the staff Israel prevailed. But when his arms grew tired and he let his hand down, Amalek had the upper hand. Ultimately, Aaron and Hur supported Moses’ hands “so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down.” As a result, “Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword.”
What made the difference? It was not simply Moses’ visible presence and dramatic posture on the hilltop with his hand in the air that inspired confidence in his troops; it was that he was holding up God’s staff. Though this staff was likely nothing more than a shepherd’s staff, God used it as an object lesson to show all Israel His power to accomplish His work.
This staff became a visible sign that God was with Moses. This simple staff became the staff of God that Moses used to bring various plagues, part the Red Sea (see 14:15-16), and strike the rock to provide water for the thirsty Israelites. (See 17:5-6.)
How can we maintain our reliance
on
God’s power when the battle is long?
The staff in Moses’ hand was an ordinary implement any shepherd would carry. It had nothing magical about it and no inherent power in it. It was simply a sign of God’s presence and power to accomplish His work among His people. Israel prevailed in battle when Moses’ hand lifted up the presence of God for all to see. We also prevail in our spiritual battles when God’s presence and power are in our lives. It is critical to note that, before we put on the spiritual armor (see Eph. 6:10-18), we are given clear instruction about the source of our strength. “Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength” (v. 10).
We must never underestimate the craft and cunning of our spiritual adversary nor overestimate our own strength. We cannot win spiritual battles in our own strength. We can walk in victory over sin only when we stand under God’s banner of protection and put on the spiritual armor He has provided.
Exodus 17:14-16
14 The Lord then said to Moses, “Write this down on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua: I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek under heaven.” 15 And Moses built an altar and named it, “The Lord Is My Banner.” 16 He said, “Indeed, my hand is lifted up toward the Lord’s throne. The Lord will be at war with Amalek from generation to generation.”
What does God’s banner of protection
look like in your life?
After the victory, God’s first command was for Moses to write and recite to Joshua His declaration: “I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek under heaven.” The Israelites would have other encounters with the Amalekites, whose atrocities were such that God later commanded King Saul to completely annihilate them. Unfortunately, Saul was disobedient. (See 1 Sam. 15:2-9.) The Amalekites were not completely defeated until the eighth century BC, in the days of Hezekiah. (See 1 Chron. 4:41-43.)
In response to God’s work, Moses built an altar and called it “The LORD Is My Banner.” God had shown Israel yet another aspect of His character. Israel had already discovered that God was their healer (Jehovah Rapha). Now they understood He was also their banner of protection—their Jehovah Nissi.
The staff or banner in Moses’ hand was a visible image of the protection and the power of God, who provided the victory over Amalek. The Israelites were to understand that their victory was because God was a banner over them. He was their protection.
One of the most famous banners in the Old Testament also appeared while the Israelites were in the wilderness. Once again, the people grumbled about the lack of bread and water. “Then the LORD sent poisonous snakes among the people, and they bit” many of them so that they died (Num. 21:5-6). They confessed to Moses their sin against the Lord, and he interceded for them before God.
“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Make a snake image and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will recover.’ So Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it on a pole” (Num. 21:8-9).
Jesus referred to the banner in His conversation with Nicodemus about the need to be born again to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus told him, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15).
Jesus is “Our Banner” who provides forgiveness of sin and eternal life. He “covers” us with His protection and victory.
How can our actions and attitudes
demonstrate
that we serve the God who protects?
LIVE IT OUT
How will the truth that Jesus is “Our Banner” make a difference in your life? Consider these suggestions:
- Trust. Have you accepted Jesus as your banner of forgiveness? If not, commit your life to Him and trust Him for salvation.
- Pray. Specifically pray for individuals this week to experience the presence and protection of Christ in their lives. Pray also that these people would be keenly aware Christ is the One who goes with them.
- Be bold. If you’re facing a difficult relationship or assignment from God, step out in trust because Christ goes with you. Rest confidently in His presence and protection.
As awesome as it is to look up to the flag of the great country in which you live, there is something even better when you trust in Christ. You can live a victorious Christian life as you stand under Jehovah Nissi, God Our Banner.
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Teacher's Notes
"Alright, saddle up and get back in the war."
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Video: The Star Spangled Banner
The Israelites had been given their freedom, but they soon learned that living in freedom has its challenges. Their faith had been tested as they sought sources of food and water for themselves and their livestock. Repeatedly, the journey was filled with miraculous provision of water (Ex. 15:22-27), quail (16:1-20), manna (16:21-36), and more water (17:1-7). God provided all of this despite their complaining. Sadly, the Israelites were slow learners, for the pattern would continue often: a need would surface; the people would complain; and God met the need. However, the challenge described in these verses broke the pattern. There was a threat to their safety and well-being. Men, who weeks earlier had been slaves, were now warriors fighting for their lives. But they too, had a flag—a banner—they rallied around.
Let’s read Exodus 17:8-13
“At Rephidim, Amalek came and fought against Israel. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with God’s staff in my hand. So, Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So, Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.”
So, what was their flag?
It was the staff Moses held up for all to see. The staff was a symbol of God’s presence with Moses—and thus with the people. Moses held up this “banner” to rally the Israelites and remind them that God was with them.
How does life make us feel like we’re in a battle?
We face times when life throws us such a curve that we can feel alone and exposed—even when we’re surrounded by others. In those moments, we feel vulnerable and under attack. In one moment of Israel’s history, they too were vulnerable and under attack.
The first message to us this morning is that…
I. We Can Stand Against Those Who Seek to Harm Us
Our lesson points out that even those who are faithful to the Lord and follow His way can expect to encounter opposition. It goes on to say that God expects His people to stand against evil and those who would hinder the people of God. God uses different people with different skills to make different contributions to His work. He can use the most ordinary people or simple objects for His purpose. While God expects His people to engage in the fight against evil, He promises to be present with them and to empower them. God showed that He was on their side; He was their Banner, standing over them with His sovereign protection. We are not alone. We stand under another flag, a banner of protection: God Himself. He stands over every issue we face. God covers us with His protection.
How do you maintain a reliance on God’s power when the struggle of life is long?
Billy Graham recently went home to heaven at the age of 99. Considered by many to be the most influential religious figure of the 20th century, Graham advised twelve sitting presidents, preached in person to more than 100 million people, and almost 3 million people responded to his message to accept Jesus. Below are some of Billy Graham’s memorable words.
- “My home is in Heaven. I’m just traveling through this world.”
- “Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.”
- “I’ve read the last page of the bible. It’s all going to turn out alright.”
II. We Prevail in Spiritual Battle Because of God’s Presence and Power in Our Lives
Our lesson says this morning, that God will help His people in dire situations when they rely on Him. We can count on God to be present to help us in situations so dire that seemingly they cannot be overcome. Our well-being and success depends entirely on God, but He does work through His chosen instruments. God’s people will prevail and His enemies will be overcome and overwhelmed by His judgment.
Someone read Exodus 17:14-16
14 The Lord then said to Moses, “Write this down on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua: I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek under heaven.” 15 And Moses built an altar and named it, “The Lord Is My Banner.” 16 He said, “Indeed, my hand is lifted up toward the Lord’s throne. The Lord will be at war with Amalek from generation to generation.”
Why was it important for Israel to remember what God had done on their behalf?
In our modern culture, we probably don’t think of a banner as something that protects us from harm. What does God’s banner of protection look like in your life? Is there an object you rely on to protect you that could symbolize how God is your protection?
III. God Is Forever Over Us as Our Banner of Protection
Our lesson this morning wants us to remember all that God has done on our behalf and to worship Him as the mighty God that He is. When the Israelites fought in their first battle as a nation – against the Amalekites – they discovered a new kind of banner: The Lord Himself. As long as He was with them, they were guaranteed victory over their enemies. That’s a flag worth rallying around. In those moments when our circumstances try to drag us down … when we feel attacked …. when we tire of the onslaught of life, remember this flag: the gracious, loving powerful presence of God. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isa. 40:31).
LIVE IT OUT: Just as Moses erected an altar and named it Jehovah Nissi, so we must establish such an altar of worship in our hearts. By so doing, we are declaring to spiritual enemies that the assurance of victory is firmly rooted in the One who is our banner.
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As awesome as it is to look up to the flag of the great country in which you live, there is something even better when you trust in Christ. You can live a victorious Christian life as you stand under Jehovah Nissi, God Our Banner.
"Alright, saddle up and get back in the war."
What is the meaning of Jehovah-Nissi?
Jehovah-Nissi (more properly Yahweh-Nissi) means “the Lord is our banner” in Hebrew. The name Jehovah-Nissi appears only once in the Bible, in Exodus 17:15. Moses, after the children of Israel defeated the Amalekites, built an altar and named it Jehovah-Nissi. The background of the name Jehovah-Nissi involves the Israelites’ wandering in the desert after leaving their bondage in Egypt. Along the way, they were attacked by the Amalekites, a powerful and warlike group of nomads. As the battle commenced, Moses stood on the top of a hill where he could see the armies below him. He held in his hand the “rod of God”—the same rod with which he had struck a rock to bring forth water for the people in the desert (Exodus 17:5–6).
The battle was an unusual one: “As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning” (Exodus 17:11). As Moses’ arms grew weary, they had to be supported by his brother, Aaron, and a man named Hur. At sunset, Israel defeated the Amalekites (verses 12–13). After the battle, Moses built an altar and named it Jehovah-Nissi, “the Lord is my banner.”
The strange way in which the battle was won left no doubt as to who was responsible for the victory. Only as the rod of God was held aloft did the Israelites prevail. The battle was not won by military might or superior battle plans; it was won by the power of God. “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47).
The hands and rod of Moses were held up in the same way that soldiers hold up their flags in the time of battle. As these flags bear the insignia of their country, the soldiers are said to fight under that banner. The Israelites fought under the direction of God, Jehovah-Nissi. It was under the Lord’s banner and with His aid they fought, and in His name and strength they conquered.
It is safe to assume that, as Moses held up the rod of God, he was praying for the success of the Israelite troops below him. Moses’ lifting up of the rod can thus be seen as a picture of intercessory prayer. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (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” (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.
Hope to see you on Sunday!
In His Love,
David & Susan
