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David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Guzik - I highly respect him and quote him often but he does not even touch on the significance of the staff of God which is surprising). Adam Clarke pushes the limits with this comment on Moses - “Several of the fathers consider Moses, with his stretched-out hands, as a figure of Christ on the cross, suffering for mankind, and getting a complete victory over sin and Satan.” But Moses’ hands were heavy - Clearly he was standing as implied by next clause. Standing with hands over one's head becomes tiring very quickly. And remember that in one of the hands Moses held the staff/rod. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it - Remember Moses is not a "spring chicken" at this time (about 80 yo). So even in this spiritual exercise his human limitations intervened, and at age 74 (2020) I can personally identify with Moses' state. When I go to a worship service, I find myself becoming tired standing after two or three songs! And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other - Supported is literally "grasped securely." Many writers say their physical support was tantamount to their support in prayers. That's possible but is not clearly stated. It seems that the most reasonable interpretation is they held up Moses' hands because he was tired. Of course they could have been praying for him, for Joshua and for Israel, but the primary meaning is literal support for his hands. THOUGHT - Clearly this picture is applicable to the body of Christ. God’s leaders thankfully usually recognize their need to depend on others to support them in their work, but sadly many pastors are burning out (80% will not be in ministry 10 yr later!) apparently because they are relying on themselves (See Excellent articles on Pastor Burnout). Today the church is a living dynamic body (Ep 1:22, 23+, Ep 4:4+, Eph 4:12+; Col 1:24+) (not a dead static building, an organism not an organization) and IF the "Aaron's" and the "Hur's" in the body are poor stewards (cf 1 Pe 4:10-11+) and fail to utilize their spiritual gifts (1Co 12:4,7,11,18, Ro 12:3-8f+), both the "common good" (1Cor 12:7) of the body of Christ and the "glory of God" (1Pe 4:10, 11+) will be adversely affected (and this may account for why the "Amalekites [have too often] prevailed" in so many churches). Hur is mentioned for the first time and is mentioned again when while he and Joshua went up into the mountain of God But to the elders he said, “Wait here for us until we return to you. And behold, Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a legal matter, let him approach them.” (Exodus 24:14) Related Resources: Who was Hur in the Bible? Who was Aaron in the Bible? If you are a leader or potential leader (and the truth is that we all are "leaders" to someone in our life) these truths in Exodus teach us that God's leaders depend on others to support them in their work. Moses like Paul centuries later (see Ro 16 and comments on all those who "helped hold up" Paul's hands in ministry) recognized that he could not carry out his ministry alone. Leaders are made more effective by those who help them. In Proverbs 27:17 Solomon reminds us that as "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." In Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 Solomon declares that... Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. The great apostle Paul never ministered alone. He shared his first leadership opportunity in the church at Antioch with four other men, and throughout the following years of his missionary travels, he always had companions. The only time we find him alone in Acts is for a brief period in Athens (Acts 17 - Acts 17- notes). STEADY HANDS Thus - That is, with the help of his friends his hands which had given out from heaviness were lifted up so that the staff of God would be visible to Israel and Israel would prevail. David Thompson draws an astute conclusion on the fact that it was Moses' hands that were held up - Now it was Moses hands that had to be lifted up. Aaron’s hands would not give victory. Hur’s hands would not give victory. It had to be the hands of Moses. God was showing these men and the military and the entire nation that you do not have victory without My chosen leader. (Sermon) His hands were steady until the sun set - This time phrase until the sun set suggests the battle raged all day long. So once Aaron and Hur came on the scene Moses was able to hold high the "banner" of the Lord, the staff of God so that the Israelis could see it as they fought in the valley. And as they saw the staff of God remain visible in Moses' steady hands, they also were aware that they were prevailing over the Amalekites. As discussed above, Israel knew the staff of God had been associated with the power of God, and this was affirmation of that truth and of the truth that God was with them, God was for them and God would give the victory. One is reminded of the phrase THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S, as recorded in Scripture (IN THE FACE OF THE ADVERSARY GOLIATH, DAVID DECLARED) “This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, (cf Ex 14:17-18) 47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’S and He will give you into our hands.” 48 Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground. (1 Sa 17:46-49) And he (THE PROPHET JAHAZIEL - 2 Chr 20:13) said, “Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. 16 ‘Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 ‘You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the LORD is with you.” 18 Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the LORD.(2 Chr 20:15-18) Imagine sitting and holding your hands up for an entire day! Even if you had support, this would be a challenge. I love this picture -- yes they were heavy but they were steady! This is first use of steady (emunah) in Bible, which is interesting because not infrequently the first use of a word in Scripture lays the groundwork for subsequent uses. Steady (0530)(emunah from aman = to confirm or support) is a noun which means firmness, steadfastness, fidelity, truth, faithfulness, trustworthiness, a condition of being dependable. The root idea is certainty or firmness. Emunah - 48x translated in NAS as faith(1), faithful(3), faithfully(8), faithfulness(25), honestly(1), responsibility(1), stability(1), steady(1), trust(2), truth(5). Note that emunah is most often translated "faithfulness" as in Dt 32:4 = "The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness." So here in the description of Moses' "steady hands" and his "steady supporters" we have a great illustration of faithfulness -- that which is firm, steady, reliable, dependable. Ex. 17:12; Dt. 32:4; 1 Sa 26:23; 2 Ki. 12:15; 22:7; 1 Chr. 9:22, 26, 31; 2 Chr. 19:9; 31:12, 15, 18; 34:12; Ps. 33:4; 36:5; 37:3; 40:10; 88:11; 89:1f, 5, 8, 24, 33, 49; 92:2; 96:13; 98:3; 100:5; 119:30, 75, 86, 90, 138; 143:1; Prov. 12:17, 22; 28:20; Isa. 11:5; 25:1; 33:6; 59:4; Jer. 5:1, 3; 7:28; 9:3; Lam. 3:23; Hos. 2:20; Hab. 2:4 The Septuagint (Lxx) translates steady in Ex 17:12 with the verb sterizo (from histemi = to stand as in 1 Pe 5:12+ = stand firm) and it is actually used twice in this verse, first to translate "supported" (Heb = tamak) and then to translate were steady (emunah). Sterizo means to make firm or solid, to set fast, to fix firmly in a place, to establish by making firm or stable, and figuratively to cause one to be inwardly firm or committed and strengthened. The basic idea is that of stabilizing Moses by providing a support, so that his hands would not totter.
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Guzik - When we have a problem it is much easier to blame someone than to think through the problem carefully and spiritually. In this situation Israel could have thought, “We are in a desert; it’s not surprising there isn’t much water here. We need to look to God to meet this need.” Instead they blamed Moses and did nothing to help the problem. R C
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Guzik - Amalek had a special guilt and shame in their attack against Israel. Amalek had the shame of being the first nation to make war against Israel. Amalek had the shame of going out of their way to attack Israel. Amalek had the shame of actually fighting against God. Blot out (wipe)(04229)(machah) means to twipe, to wipe out and is often connected with divine judgment as with God wiping out all life in the flood (Ge 6:7, Ge 7:23); Amalek (Ex 17:14+), destroying Jerusalem (2 Ki 21:13); threatening to wipe out Israel's name (Dt. 9:14). Ps. 51:1 = "blot out my transgressions"; Ps. 51:9 = "blot out all my iniquities. " Ps 69:28 = " May they be blotted out of the book of life." The Septuagint (Lxx) translates machah most often (all reference below that are in bold font) with the verb exaleipho means literally to completely wipe off. Literally exaleipho means to remove by wiping off, as when a blackboard is erased. The picture is to cause something to cease by obliterating all evidence. (Don't confuse this annihilation - no created soul will be annihilated. They will spend eternity in heaven or hell!) The word was applied to the process of obliterating writing on any material. Some of the uses in Scripture retain this literal meaning but most uses speak of a figurative blotting out or wiping off. The idea in all the uses is to cause something to cease by obliterating or eliminating any evidence. Twice in the Revelation God promises He will wipe away every tear. A number of uses in both OT (Septuagint) and the NT use this verb to describe the blotting out or wiping away of sins. Exaleipho was used by Thucydides of whitewashing a wall. In Genesis 6:7 in God's famous decree upon the sinful world (which shows how strong God feels about Amalek!) - "Jehovah said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land." There are 2 other uses of "machah" in Exodus, where we find Moses speaking after Israel has sinned against God by forming an idolatrous golden calf... "But now, if Thou wilt, forgive their sin and if not, please blot me out from Thy book which Thou hast written!" and Jehovah said to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book." (Ex 32:32-33 ) Referring again to the Amalekites God instructs His people... "you shall blot out (machah) the memory of Amalek from under heaven; you must not forget". (Dt 25:19) David uses "machah" twice in one of his most famous Psalms in which he appeals to God... "According to the greatness of Thy compassion blot out my transgressions...Hide Thy face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities." (Ps 51:1+, Ps 51:9+) And finally to help you get a sense for the meaning of this strong Hebrew verb machah, observe three picturesque uses in one verse in which God is prophesying certain judgment upon faithless Jerusalem... And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria and the plummet of the house of Ahab, and I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. (2Ki 21:13) As you have observed the uses of machah, you now have a good sense for what God will do to Amalek and what He commands Israel to do to them in (Deut 25:19). As mentioned earlier, again we see God's sovereignty over Amalek juxtaposed with man's responsibility to blot out Amalek. Now apply this truth to the Amalekites in your life. In this life we will never be able to completely wipe out "the world, the flesh or the devil" but we are called to continually "fight the good fight of faith" (1Ti 1:18,6:18,2Ti 4:7+) knowing that in eternity future God will completely blot out all of the "Amalekites" forever. Hallelujah! J Ligon Duncan addresses the Lord's charge to blot out the Amalekites - Now I want to say two things about this. First of all, this is not a petty, vindictive act of God, it's a reflection of God's just judgment. The Amalekites had done something that was odious in God's sight. They had attacked weak, straggly noncombatants in an act of war and God was enraged by it. Secondly, this judgment that God has brought against the Amalekites, gives a picture of God's final judgment intruded into the experience of Israel going into the land of Canaan for the first time, but not for the last. From this time all the way through the book of Joshua, over and over, it will be indicated that God's judgment against the occupants of the land who resist Israel is a final picture of God's judgment. It's a pre- picturing of God's final judgment against the wicked, those who are not His people. So He's giving us a picture of the dispensation of final justice. Let me say one more thing about this. I think there is a parallel, I think there is an inferential social application of this truth today to the matter of terrorism. I think you’re seeing God's attitude towards terrorism reflected in His anger towards the Amalekites. Let me quote to you a very helpful quote from Dr. Benjamin Netanyahu, who gave his testimony before the US congress. "Terrorism is a crime against humanity. We must consider the terrorists enemies of mankind to be given no quarter and no consideration from their propitiated grievances. If we believe to distinguish between acts of terror justifying some and repudiating others based on sympathy based on this and that cause, we will lose the moral clarity that is so essential for victory. This clarity is what enabled America and Britain to root out piracy in the nineteenth century. This same clarity enabled the allies to root out the Nazism in the twentieth century. They did not look for the root case of piracy, or the root case of Nazism, because they knew that some acts are evil in and of themselves and do not deserve any consideration or understanding. They did not ask whether Hitler was right about the alleged wrong done to Germany at Versailles. That, they left to the historians. For the leaders of the western alliance, nothing justified Nazism, nothing. We must be equally clear cut today. Nothing justifies terrorism, nothing. Terrorism is defined neither by the identity of its perpetrators, nor by the case they espouse, rather it is defined by the nature of the act. Terrorism is the deliberate attack on innocent civilians." That is what we have right here, in this passage. The attack of the Amalekites against civilian stragglers at the end of the host of Israel and it meets with God's decisive judgment. (The Lord is My Banner) Related Resource: Is God cruel? Exodus 17:14 Write It Down by Dr. Woodrow Kroll Have you noticed how prone to forget we humans are? Abraham Lincoln observed about his own generation, "We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have grown in numbers, wealth, and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and which multiplied, and enriched, and strengthened us." God recognized that people have the habit of forgetting, so He instructed Moses to write down in a book what had taken place in the battle against the Amalekites. Furthermore, this was to be read to Joshua, the future leader of Israel, so he would be sure to remember as well. This victory would become a source of encouragement for Christians throughout history--all because it was written down. Are you keeping a written account of the good things God has done for you? Is there a record of the victories that God has brought about in your life? Some people keep a daily spiritual diary; others record only special events. But in some fashion God's blessings need to be committed to something more dependable than our faulty memories. When you're feeling discouraged, or perhaps even wondering if God loves you, take out your journal and refresh your memory. The entries in your journal can be a continuing source of encouragement for you. In addition, take the opportunity to share with your children or grandchildren what God has done for you. The God who has dealt with you so graciously in the past is the same God who wants to work in their lives as well. The weakest ink is stronger than the greatest memory. Exodus 17:15 And Moses built an altar, and named it The LORD is My Banner (NASB: Lockman) Amplified: And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord is my Banner; (Amplified Bible - Lockman) BGT Exodus 17:15 καὶ ᾠκοδόμησεν Μωυσῆς θυσιαστήριον κυρίῳ καὶ ἐπωνόμασεν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ κύριός μου καταφυγή NET Exodus 17:15 Moses built an altar, and he called it "The LORD is my Banner," LXE Exodus 17:15 And Moses built an altar to the Lord, and called the name of it, The Lord my Refuge. NLT Exodus 17:15 Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-nissi (which means "the LORD is my banner"). KJV Exodus 17:15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: ESV Exodus 17:15 And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My Banner, NIV Exodus 17:15 Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner. Built an altar (cf Noah, Abram, Isaac) Ge 8:20; 12:7; 26:25; 33:20; Ge 35:1 Isaiah 11:10,12 where signal = banner = Messiah Study of Jehovah Nissi Exodus 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JEHOVAH NISSI: THE LORD IS MY BANNER Compare similar action by Jacob building an altar and naming it El-Elohe-Israel (Ge 33:20), the mighty God of Israel. And Moses built an altar - A sign of worship to Jehovah. The altar became an anthropomorphism (an interpretation of what is not human or personal in terms of human or personal characteristics) for God. Note that when Israel murmured and failed God, the name commemorated the incident or the outcome of their failure (Ex 17:7 [Ex 17:1-7]). When they were blessed with success, the naming praised God. Built an altar - phrase occurs 12 times in the ESV - Ge 8:20; Ge 12:8; Ge 13:18; 26:25; 35:7; Ex 17:15; 24:4; 32:5; Jos. 8:30; Jdg 6:24; 1Sam. 14:35; 1Ki. 18:32 And named it The LORD is My Banner - The Hebrew Name is Jehovah Nissi the only mention of this Name in Scripture. J Ligon Duncan says that "The rod of the Lord was the banner of Israel in that day in order to draw attention to the power of God. Every believer needs to remember God's power and every believer needs to remember God's judgment. We must also remember the coming judgment, according to Jesus, will be meted out by Him. Take your hymnals in hand and look with me briefly at hymn 318. This is the great hymn of Wesley and Cennick, Lo’ He comes with clouds descending. It's a hymn about the second coming and it's the one hymn in our hymnal about the second coming which focuses on the judgment of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, Joy To The World mentions the phrases, but this hymn focuses on the truth. "Lo! He comes with clouds descending, once for favored sinners slain; thousand saints attending swell the triumph of His train. Alleluia! Alleluia! God appears on earth to reign. Every eye shall now behold Him, robed in dreadful majesty; those who set at naught and sold Him, pierced, and nailed Him to the tree, deeply wailing, deeply wailing, shall the true Messiah see. Every island, sea, and mountain, heaven and earth, shall flee away; all who hate Him must, confounded, hear the trump proclaim the day: Come to judgment! Come to judgment! Come to judgment, come away! Now Redemption long expected see in solemn pomp appear! All His saints by man rejected, now shall meet Him in the air. Alleluia! Alleluia! See the day of God appear!" The Lord Jesus Christ will come again to mete out the judgment of God in a final display of His power. (The Lord is My Banner) David Thompson - Moses decided to name this altar–“Jehovah is my Banner” or “Jehovah is my Signal Pole.” The point is Jehovah is the one who gave this victory. The signal pole was a statement that God would destroy the Amalekites who waged war with Israel. It would take a couple of generations, but God would do exactly what He promised He would do. (Sermon) Banner (05251)(nec/nes) means a banner, an ensign, a standard, a signal pole (wood pole which was visible when raised - Nu 21:8), a signal (non-verbal communication - Nu 26:10, Jer 4:6), a sail (for a boat - Isa 33:23). Nec/nes served as a rallying point or standard which drew people together for some common action for or for the communication of important information. The banner could be an ornamental piece of cloth on the end of a staff or pole as a leader’s signal. Usually the signal was placed on a high place in the camp. 'Nēs is used in the sense of sign or warning where the destruction of Korah and his family in a sense became a "banner" which warned against similar rebellious behavior! (Nu 26:10). Later in the wilderness journey, Moses lifted up a bronze serpent on a pole (nēs) (Nu 21:8, 9) (See excursus on bronze serpent). Banner - 21 times in the OT - banner(2), distinguishing mark(1), sail(1), signal(4), standard(12), warning(1). Exodus 17:15 Moses built an altar and named it The LORD is My Banner; Numbers 21:8 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a standard; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live.” Numbers 21:9 ( And Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on the standard; and it came about, that if a serpent bit any man, when he looked to the bronze serpent, he lived. Numbers 26:10 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up along with Korah, when that company died, when the fire devoured 250 men, so that they became a warning. Psalm 60:4 You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. Isaiah 5:26 He will also lift up a standard to the distant nation, And will whistle for it from the ends of the earth; And behold, it will come with speed swiftly. Isaiah 11:10+ Then in that day The nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious. Isaiah 11:12+ And He will lift up a standard for the nations And assemble the banished ones of Israel, And will gather the dispersed of Judah From the four corners of the earth. Isaiah 13:2+ Lift up a standard on the bare hill, Raise your voice to them, Wave the hand that they may enter the doors of the nobles. Isaiah 18:3 All you inhabitants of the world and dwellers on earth, As soon as a standard is raised on the mountains, you will see it, And as soon as the trumpet is blown, you will hear it. Isaiah 30:17 One thousand will flee at the threat of one man; You will flee at the threat of five, Until you are left as a flag on a mountain top And as a signal on a hill. Note also that Moses names the altar rather than God (cf Ge 22:14 where Abraham names Mt Moriah "Jehovah Jireh"). The idea expressed seems to be that Jehovah Himself is the rallying point for His people. We have our victory not through our own efforts but through Christ alone (Jn 16:33; 1 Jn 2:13, 14+; 1 Jn 5:4, 5+). In this regard it is notable that in Isaiah 11:10+ the signal pole (nec/nes) stands for (is a metaphor if you will) the Messiah Who was raised (pun intended) to give hope to the Gentiles. Hallelujah! Amen. Then in that day (Millennium ) The nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious. (Isa 11:10) Since the word “banner” today suggests cloth, the connection with the Hebrew understanding may be missed. For example, in ancient times, a spear could serve as a standard in battle, with or without bits of cloth tied to it. Later, a staff might have a device on it to mark the rallying point for troops. In the ancient world, these were sometimes images or signs of the gods. Moses’ staff is the ensign to which Joshua’s army could look and that symbolized God’s saving power. Moses declares that God Himself is the Standard, the Ensign of His people. The Septuagint (LXX) has an interesting Greek phrase kurios mou kataphuge to translate the name Jehovah nissi. This Greek phrase is literally the Lord my Refuge (my safe retreat, my sure refuge). This same Greek word, kataphuge, (which is not found in NT) is used 19 times in the Septuagint translation of the OT and most of these uses refer to God Himself. And so we see kataphuge used to translate the following descriptions of God (these are from the NASB)... fortress (Ps 18:2, Ps 31:3, Ps 71:3, Ps 91:2, Ps 144:2) hiding place (Ps 32:7) refuge (2 Sam 22:3, Ps 46:1, Ps 59:16, Jer 16:19) stronghold (Ps 9:9) dwelling place (Ps 90:1) Devotional note on Jehovah Nissi from God is Enough - Nothing is more abundantly proved in the Bible than that the Lord will fight for us if we will let Him. All He asks of us is to be still and let Him fight for us. This is the only sort of spiritual conflict that is ever successful. But we are very slow to learn this. When temptations come, instead of handing the battle over to the Lord we summon all our forces to fight them ourselves. We believe, perhaps, that the Lord is somewhere near, and if the worst comes to worst, He will step in to help us. But for the most part we feel that we ourselves and we only must do all the fighting. Our method of fighting consists generally in a series of repentings, resolutions and promises, weary struggles for victory, and then failing again—over and over. Each time we tell ourselves that now at last we will have the victory, and each time we fail even worse than before. This may go on for weeks, months, or even years, and no real or permanent deliverance ever comes. God has told us to cease from our own efforts and hand our battles over to Him. Comment - In Israel's first battle with the Amalekites war was waged as instructed by Moses (Joshua on ground/Moses on hill) and God granted victory. In Israel's second recorded battle the enemy was again the Amalekites but this time their efforts brought a disastrous defeat. What was the difference? As alluded to in the devotional when we attempt the battle in our own strength as Israel did the passage below we too will be defeated. In Numbers 14, we read that in an expression of their unbelief, Israel refused to go into the promised land. Then we read of their response upon hearing God's decree ('Surely you shall not come into the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb [see description of his character Nu 14:24] the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun" Numbers 14:30): In the morning, however, they rose up early and went up to the ridge of the hill country, saying, "Here we are; we have indeed sinned, but we will go up to the place which the LORD has promised." But Moses said, "Why then are you transgressing the commandment of the LORD, when it will not succeed? "Do not go up, lest you be struck down before your enemies, for the LORD is not among you. "For the Amalekites and the Canaanites will be there in front of you, and you will fall by the sword, inasmuch as you have turned back from following the LORD. And the LORD will not be with you." But they went up heedlessly to the ridge of the hill country; neither the ark of the covenant of the LORD nor Moses left the camp. Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down, and struck them and beat them down as far as Hormah. (Numbers 14:40-45) The Theological Wordbook of the OT adds the following note on the meaning of the 20 OT uses of the Hebrew word for "BANNER" = "NES" ("nicci") (signal pole, standard, ensign, banner, sign, sail, warning): "In the OT, nēs generally means a rallying point or standard which drew people together for some common action or for the communication of important information. This usually happened on a. high or conspicuous place within the camp or community. There, a signal pole, sometimes with an ensign attached, could be raised as a point of focus or object of hope....People would rally together around a nēs for various purposes, one of the most important being the gathering of troops for war. The prophetic materials particularly emphasize this use of the standard. Isa 5:26 pictures God raising a standard among the nations, signaling Assyrian warriors for muster against sinful Israel. The trumpet was often used as a war alarm to summon soldiers around the nēs." (Harris, R. L., Harris, R. L., Archer, G. L., & Waltke, B. K. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament Moody Press) Jeremiah says, Set up a standard on the earth, blow the trumpet among the nations for war against her (Jer 51:27; see also Jer 4:21; Isa 18:3). The standard was usually raised on a mountain or other high place (Isa 13:2; 18:3; 30:17). There, public proclamations could be made (Jer 50:2). Soldiers deserting the standard in panic (Isa 31:9) signaled defeat. When a standard was raised toward a city, it was a sign for its residents to “flee for safety” before the attack (cf. Jer 4:6)....The word nēs is also used in the prophets in connection with the return to Zion. An ensign is to be raised over the nations (Isa 62:10) and they will bring the sons and daughters of Zion back to her (Isa 49:22). It is not surprising that Isaiah, the Christological prophet par excellence, personifies nēs. He says “in that day the root of Jesse shall stand as an ensign to the peoples; him shall the nations seek” (Isa 11:10; cf. 11:12). So Israel’s Messianic king will be lifted up (cf. Jn 3:14; Phil 2:9) that all men might rally around him. As Sammy Tippit an evangelist from San Antonio, Texas writes "Our banner must not be our ministries, our denominations, our programs or our methods. Our banner must be Jehovah - Nissi. Moses built an altar and called it Jehovah - Nissi. Perhaps you need to build an altar in your heart and call it Jehovah - Nissi. Allow Him to be your rallying point. He alone gives victory. If you find yourself discouraged in the midst of spiritual battles, then you will always be able to return to that altar and find the source of victory." (If you would like to catalyze the reigniting of the "fire" on the altar of your heart. Calvin echoes this thought that Moses gave God the glory (not himself, not Joshua, not Israel's valiant warriors), so that Israel who might have been "inflated by their good success, should not boast of their own strength, but glory only in God." Illustration - Queen Elizabeth II of England has three royal residences (Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyrood) plus two private homes. This could be confusing for those who want to find her except for one important fact: the queen's banner always flies over whichever residence she is currently occupying. If her banner of blue and gold is on the flagpole, the queen is sure to be present. In the same way Moses built an altar and named it Jehovah Nissi so that all would know that the King was in residence. Perhaps you are going through difficult circumstances. Or perhaps you have just come out of a time of trial. Regardless of the circumstances, we need to ask ourselves whether we are "flying the banner" of the LORD so that others know the King is present. Moses built a memorial to remind everyone that God was in residence with His people Israel and that He had not abandoned in the midst of the attacks of the Amalekites. Generation after generation could look up and see this altar, Jehovah Nissi, and recall that even as the Lord was present with Israel in the battle against the Amalekites, He was still present in their midst. In the same way, believers today should raise the Lord's banner, no matter how difficult their circumstances, knowing that He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and He will not abandon His presence in their midst, even though circumstances might suggest otherwise. Paul testified to this truth writing to Timothy explaining that... At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the lion's mouth. (2 Ti 4:16-17+) THOUGHT - Is your testimony like that of Moses and Paul? Is it obvious to others that Jesus is in residence in your life? Make sure that His flag, colored with faith, hope and love, flies high over the castle of your life. It's a privilege to fly that banner but it is a shame not to. If the King is in residence, be sure to fly His flag. JEHOVAH NISSI – THE LORD OUR BANNER IN EXODUS 17 – How important is it that we know God’s Names (~ His character, His attributes)? Solomon writes that “The NAME of the LORD is a strong tower. The righteous runs… into it and is safe (Literally “lifted high” = pictures the trial or affliction as still occurring, but of the one who by grace thru faith makes a conscious choice to “run” into [trust, believe] the strong refuge of His Name, as “safe” in but above the storm. PTL!) (Pr 18:10+) Corollary: If we truly know His character as revealed in His Names, we will be more likely to “run” into His Name. In Ex 17:8 “Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim (Hebrew = Rests!!).” Note that God in His sovereignty allowed the attack (think about the “attacks” in your life). Prior to this time God had fought ALL the battles, but now He is seeking to teach Israel how to fight the enemy. Sometimes God allows tests/trials in our life that we might learn better how to fight our enemies (the world, the flesh, the devil) “knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance (“hanging in there” when circumstances are difficult – Not a passive acceptance but strong fortitude [enabled by the Spirit] in the face of opposition or difficulty) (James 1:3-note) Read Exodus 17:8-16 for how God gave Israel victory (note the balance – Man’s RESPONSIBILITY [Our effort] = Ex 17:9-10, 13 & God’s PROVISION [His power] = Ex 17:11). In Ex 17:15 after the victory Moses gave glory to God by building an altar & worshipping“JEHOVAH NISSI” (The LORD is my Banner). The BANNER (Nissi) is a standard that bears the colors by which a military unit is identified & behind which troops rally. So when Moses said “Jehovah Nissi“, he proclaimed this great Name as a memorial saying in essence “I rally behind Jehovah. It is on Him I will fix MY EYES. It is He Whom I will follow.” WHERE ARE YOUR EYES FIXED DEAR CHRIST FOLLOWER?… Are they fixes on the things above or are they fixed on the things that are on this earth? (Col 3:1-2+ Heb 12:2+) It is notable that the phrase “MY EYES” is repeatedly used in the Psalms… “MY EYES are continually toward the LORD (my responsibilty), for He will pluck my feet out of the net (God’s power).” (Ps 25:15) “I will set no worthless (Hebrew = belial -2Cor 6:15) thing before MY EYES; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten (Hebrew = dabaq = stick like glue! Joined together – of man “cleaving” to his wife in Ge 2:24!) its grip on me.” (Ps 101:3) “Open MY EYES (We need the Holy Spirit’s enablement to grasp spiritual truth in the Holy Word), that I may behold wonderful things from Thy law.” (Ps 119:18) “Turn away MY EYES from looking at vanity & revive me in Thy ways.” (Ps 119:37) “MY EYES fail with longing for Thy Word” (Ps 119:82-SN) “MY EYES fail with longing for Thy salvation & for Thy righteous Word.” (Ps 119:123) “MY EYES anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Thy Word.” (Ps 119:148) “MY EYES are toward Thee, O GOD, the Lord. In Thee I take refuge (cp Pr 18:10). Do not leave me defenseless.” (Ps 141:8) “I Will lift up MY EYES to the mountains. From whence shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD (from Jehovah Nissi), Who made heaven & earth.” (Ps 121:1-2) Related Resources: American Church Dictionary Banners Easton's Bible Dictionary Banner Fausset Bible Dictionary Banner Holman Bible Dictionary Banner Hawker's Poor Man's Dictionary Banner Smith Bible Dictionary Banner Wilson's Bible Types Banner Watson's Theological Dictionary Banner International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Banner McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Banners Question: "What is the meaning of Jehovah-Nissi?" Answer: 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. (Source: Gotquestions.org) Kenneth Hemphill - Jehovah Nissi (The Name of God) As we continue to follow the wilderness journey of the people of God, we travel to Rephidim. The people of Israel are confronted by the descendants of Amalek. The Amalekites often rep-resent the power of evil in Scripture. Israel is forced to go to war against this more powerful and organized army. Moses, as commander-in-chief, stations himself on top of the hill with the rod of God in his hand. The Bible tells us that when he held the rod aloft, Israel prevailed, but when he let his arm down, Amalek prevailed. With the assistance of Aaron and Hur, Moses was able to keep his hands steady until the sun set and Joshua and his army prevailed. Moses built an altar at that place and named it Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is my Banner. We briefly looked at another banner held aloft by Moses. In Numbers 21 , we find the children of Israel in a difficult predicament. They are being bitten by venomous snakes. he people cry out to Moses to ask God to remove the serpents from them. God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent and place it on a standard and to instruct the people that if they look upon the standard after being bitten, they would live. Obviously, there was no healing power in a piece of bronze on a stick. Their rescue came from the Lord, who instructed them to look in faith to Him for their redemption. Jesus used this story in His interview with Nicodemus in John 3. " `And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whoever believes, may in Him have eternal life— (John 3:14-15). In our minds the serpent has always represented evil. In the Garden of Eden, we find the cursing of the serpent who tempts Eve. We find it some-what objectionable that Jesus likens His death on the cross to the lifting up of the serpent in the wilderness. But isn't that precisely the point of the cross? Paul tells us that He who knew no sin became sin that we might be the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor. 5:21). Jesus became the ultimate Banner of deliverance and victory. You can call upon God as Jehovah Nissi, your Banner of victory, as you enter the realm of spiritual conflict on a daily basis. When you come under attack by others, you need not defend yourself, but stand under the Banner of Jehovah Nissi. When you find yourself struggling with temptation and the power of evil, stand under Jehovah Nissi. Courage: Jehovah Nissi “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil” (Ps. 23:4). This courage that conquers our fears comes from Jehovah Nissi, “The LORD My Banner.” Fear often comes when we face the unknown, or feel overwhelmed by opposing forces. The small boy, afraid of the dark, wants his mother to go upstairs with him when he goes to bed. A man walking down a dark road at night wants a companion. Many other fears beset us. But when we know Jehovah Nissi, The LORD My Banner, we can walk with courage and the confidence of victory. The phrase, Jehovah Nissi, was a battle term. The soldier who became separated from his outfit in conflict needed to be able to find his army's battle staff or flag flying above the conflict. He could rally to the flag and not fight alone. Hence, Jehovah Nissi, The LORD My Banner. This title was revealed when Israel went to battle with Amalek. This was Israel's first fight after escaping from Egypt. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel had a continuing war with Amalek. Joshua led the troops into battle at Rephidim, while Moses stood on top of a hill with the rod of God in his hand. As long as Moses held up his hands (in prayer?) Israel prevailed; but “When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed” (Exod. 17:11). When Moses' hands became tired, Aaron and Hur held his hands up so he could continue to intercede. As a result, Joshua won the day. “And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi” (v. 15). This is another name given to God by man. The LORD My Banner means, “the LORD that prevaileth.” Even though men fought the battle, God gave the victory. Amalek serves as a symbol for the flesh in the Old Testament. Even today, Christians battle the flesh, struggling with their old nature. It is God who gives us the victory in this battle, too-a victory that is already guaranteed because of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Yet the Bible teaches that the Christian must wrestle, run and fight. The Christian can serve the Lord with complete confidence about the outcome of the battle, because Jehovah Nissi, The LORD My Banner, will prevail. (My Father's Names - Elmer Towns) Jehovah-Nissi - Robert Neighbour "And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi; (the Lord my banner)" (Exod. 17:15). Exodus 17:8-15. Amalek was fighting with Israel in Rephidim. Moses said unto Joshua, "Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek; to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand." Joshua fulfilled Moses' orders and while he fought, Moses held up his hand and Israel prevailed. "But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hand's, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side, and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun." Thus it was that Joshua overcame Amalek. Moses, however, took no credit to himself, for the wonderful victory. He knew that his uplifted hands, signified only "Jehovah-nissi," the Lord our banner. We, too, have a conflict. We are wrestling against principalities and powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, and against hosts of wicked spirits in the air. Facing such an array as this, who dares to go forth to the battle in his own strength? Were it not for the fact that the Lord is with us, we would soon be defeated. When the armies of England wavered in battle, some one cried: "Bulcher is coming with reinforcements." Immediately the tide of battle turned, under the inspiration of Bulcher's aid, and the armies of England were victorious. And what inspiration should we have, as we hear our Princely Leader say: "All authority is given unto Me in Heaven and on earth. Go, * * and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the age." Who is there but is thrilled when "Old Glory" is swung to the breeze. What wonderful achievements have been wrought, what victories obtained under the waving stars and stripes. But Christians have another banner — "Jehovah-nissi." Let us rally to our standard. Never let us see His glory dragging in the dust. "Up rose old Barbara Fritchie, then, Bowed with her threescore years and ten, Bravest of all in Frederic Town, She took up the flag that the men hauled down. In her little window the staff she set, To show that one heart was loyal yet. Up the street came the soldiers' tread, Stonewall Jackson riding ahead, Under his slouched hat, left and right, He looked — The old flag met his sight. Halt! The nut-brown ranks stood fast. Fire! Out broke the rifle blast. It broke the window with many a gash, It severed the banner, in seam and sash, But quick as it fell from its broken staff Dame Barbara snatched the silken scarf; She leaned far out of the window sill, And shook it forth with a royal will. 'Shoot, if you will, my old grey head But spare my country's flag,' she said." No one need marvel that Stonewall Jackson is reputed to have said: "Who touches a hair of that old, grey head, Dies like a dog — March on, he said." If Barbara Fritchie held forth the flag she loved, shall any of us, who name the name of Jesus Christ, fail to wave the Blood-stained banner of Calvary's Cross? BRONZE SERPENT ANOTHER "DIVINE BANNER" When the Israelites fought the Amalekites at Rephidim, Moses held up his hand, thus becoming a living banner symbolizing God’s presence to help His people win the victory. We encounter another "divine banner" so to speak that brought "victory" (so to speak) over death. In Numbers 21 the Israelites were again complaining and God answered their complaints by sending fiery serpents which led to another "divine banner"... The people spoke against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this miserable food.” 6 The LORD sent fiery serpents among the people and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. 7 So the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned (FOR ONCE THEY WERE ABSOLUTELY HONEST!), because we have spoken against the LORD and you; intercede with the LORD, that He may remove the serpents from us.” And Moses interceded for the people 8 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a standard (nec/nes); and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live.” 9 And Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on the standard (nec/nes) ; and it came about, that if a serpent bit any man, when he looked to the bronze serpent, he lived. Nu 21:8-9 This banner or pole in Numbers 21 was a foreshadowing of Jesus being lifted up on the pole of the Cross to provide healing. All who had suffered the deadly "bite of the serpent" (Genesis 3:1-24+, Romans 5:12+) and who looked to Him would be saved. Jesus declared As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (Jn 3:14-16) So just as the Israelites who looked to the lifted up bronze serpent did not die, all who look at Jesus will live eternally. The Lord was lifted up on the "pole" to and made sin for all who would believe on him (2 Cor 5:21+). In Isaiah 45:22 the Lord declares Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Comment - C H Spurgeon was saved by looking to Jesus based on this verse in Isaiah and he was forever healed of the deadly bite of the old Serpent. (Spurgeon's Testimony) Tragically what was meant to be a symbol to point to Jesus' substitutionary death on Calvary, soon became an idolatrous image that the people ironically named Nehushtan ("a mere piece of brass" or a "worthless piece of bronze") even sinking to such a level of depravity as to offer incense to the "worthless piece of brass"! This pagan practice of idolatrous "standard" worship lasted for 760 years until Hezekiah demolished it.... "He (HEZEKIAH) removed the high places and broke down the sacred pillars and cut down the Asherah. He also broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the sons of Israel burned incense to it; and it was called Nehushtan." (2 Kings 18:4) Related Resources: American Tract Society Nehushtan Easton's Bible Dictionary Nehushtan Fausset Bible Dictionary Nehushtan Holman Bible Dictionary Nehushtan Hitchcock Bible Names Nehushtan Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Nehushtan International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Nehushtan McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Nehushtan The Nuttall Encyclopedia Nehushtan The Jewish Encyclopedia Nehushtan Exodus 17:16 and he said, “The LORD has sworn; the LORD will have war against Amalek from generation to generation.” Amplified: And he said, Because [theirs] is a hand against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. (Amplified Bible - Lockman) NET Exodus 17:16 for he said, "For a hand was lifted up to the throne of the LORD– that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation." NLT Exodus 17:16 He said, "They have raised their fist against the LORD's throne, so now the LORD will be at war with Amalek generation after generation." KJV Exodus 17:16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. ESV Exodus 17:16 saying, "A hand upon the throne of the LORD! The LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation." NIV Exodus 17:16 He said, "For hands were lifted up to the throne of the LORD. The LORD will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation." The Lord has sworn Isa 66:1 Ac 7:49 will have war: Ps 21:8-11 Exodus 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JEHOVAH'S OATH CONTINUAL WAR WITH AMALEK The LORD has sworn; the LORD will have war against Amalek from generation to generation - The difficulty of the Hebrew text permits an alternative translation: “a hand is upon/toward/against the throne/banner of Yahweh,” This gives the sense of supplication, or of taking an oath. Contextually, the significance is clear, whatever the translation adopted: The ongoing problem with Amalek was not merely one nation hostile toward another, it was a war between God and Amalek, and thus between God's people and Amalek. The Lord here declares perpetual war against Amalek and the Book of Esther (see above) relates the last recorded battle in that war (see also 1Sa 15:32; 30:1–10; 1Chr 4:43). Guzik has a good summary of the generations of the Amalekites - Balaam prophesied of their ruin (Numbers 24:20) Hundreds of years later, Saul fought against them (1 Samuel 14:48) God then commanded Saul to continue the fight against Amalek, to bring complete judgment upon them for their ancient sin against Israel (1 Samuel 15:1-7) In partial obedience to God, Saul fought against the Amalekites and routed them, but kept their king alive (and presumably others) while also enriching himself in the battle (1 Samuel 15:7-9) The failure to obey God in regard to Amalek was the primary act of disobedience that cost Saul the throne (1 Samuel 15:2-9 and 1 Samuel 28:18) The Amalekites existed after this, so we know Saul did not complete the work God gave to him (1 Samuel 27:8, 30:17; 2 Samuel 8:12) There are some indications that this work was completed in the late days of the divided monarchy under Hezekiah (1 Chronicles 4:41-43), but it is possible that some descendants of the Amalekites remained (such as Haman in Esther 3:1) David Thompson on the phrase the LORD will have war against Amalek - Isn’t it interesting that verse 16 says, “the LORD will have war.” God’s people need to understand this about God; He is a warrior and He expects His people to be good soldiers in the war He wants fought (cf 2 Ti 2:3-4+, 1 Ti 6:12+, 2 Ti 4:7+). (Sermon) Related Resources: Exposition of 2 Timothy 2:3-4 Soldier Illustrations Three Kinds of Soldiers - Ten Principles of Warfare Roman Soldier by Edward Gibbon (Decline & Fall of Roman Empire) The Roman Soldier - Description from Jewish Historian Josephus A Few Soldier Stories and Sermons It is interesting that "Israel My Glory" (published by the Friends of Israel Ministry) lists this altercation with the Amalekites as the one of the first examples of "anti-Semitism" in Scripture. Francis Schaeffer has this interesting insight on the fact that it was Jehovah Who would have war against Amalek explaining that this "indicates that the Amalekites understood something of the fact that they were fighting not only against the Israelites, but also against the God who stood behind the Israelites. One can question how much knowledge they had, but their actions remind me of 20th-century men who understand that what they are really fighting against is at least the concept of the Judeo-Christian religion and the culture which was based upon it." J