And Moses built an altar
In the ancient Near East, altars were often constructed as places of worship and remembrance. Moses building an altar signifies a response to a divine encounter or victory. This act follows the Israelites' victory over the Amalekites, highlighting the importance of acknowledging God's role in their success. Altars in the Old Testament often served as physical reminders of God's faithfulness and intervention.

and named it
Naming in biblical times was significant, often reflecting character, purpose, or a divine encounter. By naming the altar, Moses is not only commemorating the event but also declaring a theological truth about God's nature and His relationship with His people. This act of naming serves as a testament to future generations of God's deliverance and presence.

The LORD Is My Banner
The term "banner" in this context refers to a standard or ensign used in battle, symbolizing rallying points and identity. By declaring "The LORD Is My Banner," Moses is acknowledging God as the source of victory and the one under whom the Israelites unite. This phrase emphasizes God's leadership and protection. It also foreshadows the ultimate victory and unity found in Christ, who is often seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament types and shadows. The concept of God as a banner is echoed in other scriptures, such as Isaiah 11:10, where the Messiah is described as a banner for the peoples.

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. In this passage, Moses acts as a spiritual leader, acknowledging God's role in their victory.

2. The Altar
A physical structure built by Moses to commemorate God's deliverance. It serves as a symbol of worship and remembrance.

3. The LORD Is My Banner (Yahweh Nissi)
This name for God signifies His protection and leadership over Israel. The term "banner" (Hebrew: nes) implies a rallying point or standard.

4. Amalekites
The enemy of Israel in this context, representing opposition to God's people. Their defeat is attributed to divine intervention.

5. Rephidim
The location where the battle with the Amalekites took place and where Moses built the altar.God as Our Protector
Just as God protected Israel, He is our protector today. We can trust Him to fight our battles and provide victory over spiritual enemies.

Remembrance and Worship
Building altars in our lives can be symbolic acts of remembrance. We should regularly acknowledge and celebrate God's faithfulness and deliverance.

Unity and Support in Community
Moses needed Aaron and Hur to support him. In our spiritual battles, we need the support of our Christian community to uphold us in prayer and encouragement.

God's Sovereignty in Our Battles
Recognize that our victories are not by our strength but by God's power. We must rely on Him and give Him the glory for our successes.

Symbolism of the Banner
The banner represents identity and allegiance. As Christians, our identity is in Christ, and we should live in a way that reflects His lordship over our lives.(15) Moses built an altar.--Primarily, no doubt, to sacrifice thank-offerings upon it, as an acknowledgment of the Divine mercy in giving Israel the victory. But secondarily as a memorial--a monument to commemorate Israel's triumph.

And called the name of it Jehovah-nissi.--Jacob had named an altar "El-Elohe-Israel" (Genesis 33:20); but otherwise we do not find altars given special names. When an altar was built as a memorial, the purpose would be helped by a name, which would tend to keep the event commemorated in remembrance. Jehovah-nissi--"the Lord is my banner"--would tell to all who heard the word that here there had been a struggle, and that a people which worshipped Jehovah had been victorious. It is not clear that there is any reference to "the rod of God" (Exodus 17:9) as in any sense the "banner" under which Israel had fought. The banner is Jehovah Himself, under whose protection Israel had fought and conquered.

Verse 15. - Moses built an altar. An altar naturally implies a sacrifice, and Moses may well have thought that the signal victory obtained required to be acknowledged, and as it were requited, by offerings. In giving his altar a name, he followed the example of Jacob, who called an altar which he built, El-Elohe-Israel (Genesis 33:20). Moses' name for his altar, Jehovah-nisi, meant "the Lord is my banner," and was intended to mark his ascription of the entire honour of the victory to Jehovah but had probably no reference to the particular mode in which the victory was gained.

Parallel Commentaries ...


And Moses
מֹשֶׁ֖ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

built
וַיִּ֥בֶן (way·yi·ḇen)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1129: To build

an altar
מִזְבֵּ֑חַ (miz·bê·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196: An altar

and named
וַיִּקְרָ֥א (way·yiq·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

it
שְׁמ֖וֹ (šə·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

The LORD
יְהוָ֥ה ׀ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

Is My Banner.
נִסִּֽי׃ (nis·sî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5251: A flag, a sail, a flagstaff, a signal, a token


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OT Law: Exodus 17:15 Moses built an altar and called its (Exo. Ex)