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In the Lord Jesus we find the clue to the history and the solution of the prophecy. He is the banner — He is the ensign that is lifted up before the people. He is the Jehovah Nissi, "the Lord my banner," whom it is our joy to follow, and around whom it is our delight to rally.

I. WHEREFORE HE IS SO CALLED.

1. As the point of union. In stress of war all gathered round the standard. And so all Christians around Christ. All followed its guidance.

2. And the banner, let it be remembered, is always the object of chief attack. The moment the adversary sees it, his object is to strike there. Did they not of old aim their shots at the flagstaff to cut down the banner? So has the Lord Jesus Christ been ever assailed.

3. And why should the banner be the object of attack but for this very reason, that it is the symbol of defiance As soon as ever the banner IS lifted up, it is, as it were, flapped in the face of the foe. It seems to say to him, "Do your worst — come on! We are not afraid of you — we defy you!" Every time a sermon is preached in the power of the Spirit, it is as though the shrill clarion woke up the fiends of hell, for every sermon seems to say to them, "Christ is come forth again to deliver His lawful captives out of your power; the King of kings has come to take away His subjects." We have not quite exhausted the metaphor yet.

4. The banner was ever a source of consolation to the wounded. He sees the banner still waving, and with his last breath he cries, "On! on! on!" and falls asleep content, because the banner is safe. It has not been cast down. Though he has fallen, yet the banner is secure. Even so every true soldier of the Cross rejoices in its triumph.

5. The banner is the emblem of victory. When the fight is done, and the soldier cometh home, what bringeth he? His blood-stained flag. And what is borne highest in the procession as it winds through the streets? It is the flag. They hang it in the minster; high up there in the roof, and where the incense smoketh, and where the song of praise ascendeth, there hangs the banner, honoured and esteemed, borne in conflict and in danger. Now, our Lord Jesus Christ shall be our banner in the last day, when all our foes shall be under our feet.

II. WHO GAVE US THE BANNER? Soldiers often esteem the colours for the sake of the person who first bestowed them. You and I ought to esteem the Gospel of our precious Christ for the sake of God who gave Him to us. "Thou hast given a banner." God gave us the banner in old eternity.

III. TO WHOM IS THIS BANNER GIVEN? Shall the banner be put in the drunkard's hands? Shall the great truth of Christ be left to those who live in sin? Now, inasmuch as this banner is given to those that fear God, if you fear God it is given to you. I do not know in what capacity you are to bear it, but I do know there is somewhere or other where you have to carry it. Mother, let the banner wave in your household. Merchant, let your banner be fixed upon your house of business. Let it be unfurled and fly at your masthead, O sailor. Bear your banner, O soldier, in your regiment.

IV. WHY WAS THIS BANNER GIVEN TO US? To be "displayed because of the truth." There let it be displayed. Preach Christ Lift Him up with a clear voice as one that has something to say that He would have men hear. Speak of Him boldly as one who is not ashamed of his message.

( C. H. Spurgeon.)

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KJV: Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

WEB: You have given a banner to those who fear you, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.