Exodus 17:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner,

NIV: Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner.

NASB: And Moses built an altar and named it The Lord is My Banner;

CSB: And Moses built an altar and named it, "The Lord Is My Banner."

NLT: Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (which means 'the Lord is my banner').

KJV: And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:

NKJV: And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner;

Amalekites attacked Israel (Exodus 17:8–9) but were defeated (Exodus 17:10–13). God told Moses to record a clear condemnation of the nation of Amalek, and a prophecy of their destruction (Exodus 17:14). Amalekites would plague Israel for generations (Numbers 14:45; Judges 3:33; 1 Samuel 14:48). Saul was told to eradicate them but failed (1 Samuel 15:3, 9). Only after defeat by David (1 Samuel 30:17) was Amalek weakened enough to be erased permanently (1 Chronicles 4:43).

Moses takes the additional step of building an altar. This was an important symbol to remind the people of what the Lord had accomplished for them. The altar is given a unique name: YHWH Nissi' y, or "The Lord is my Banner." Banners are usually flags or other symbols used to represent a group, nation, or leader (Numbers 2:2; Song of Solomon 2:4; Psalm 20:5; 60:4). Banners also served to communicate news (Jeremiah 50:2).

Exodus 17:8–16 describes Israel's first true battle since leaving Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:40–41). When Amalekites attack, Moses assigns Joshua to lead the fighting men of Israel. During the battle, Israel prevails while Moses' staff is held up. But they begin to lose when he puts the staff down. Aaron and Hur hold Moses' arms up, allowing Israel to complete its victory.

Israel condemns and argues against Moses because of a water shortage, despite recent miracles proving the Lord's care. In response, God arranges a public display of His power through Moses. Then, when Amalekites attack Israel, God gives them power to repel the attack. This comes in the form of Moses holding up his staff, assisted by Aaron and Hur. Joshua is introduced as a military leader.

The nation of Israel recently received miraculous provisions of water, bread, and meat (Exodus 15—16). Still, they bitterly argue and bicker against Moses when water becomes scarce. After another miracle, God aids the Hebrews in repelling an enemy attack. Next, they will encounter Moses' father-in-law, who will provide some much-needed advice (Exodus 18).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/6/2025 4:25:32 AM