Exodus 17:15

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

Moshe built an altar, called it ADONAINissi [ADONAI is my banner/miracle],

Berean Standard Bible:

And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner.

American Standard Version:

And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And Moses^{H4872} built^{H1129} an altar^{H4196}, and called^{H7121} the name^{H8034} of it Jehovahnissi^{H3071}:

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Exodus 17:15

1. **Themes:**
- **Divine Victory:** The verse reflects the theme of God's power and faithfulness in granting victory to His people. The building of the altar is a commemorative act, celebrating God's intervention in the battle against the Amalekites.
- **Worship and Remembrance:** It emphasizes the importance of worship and remembrance in Israelite religion. By naming the altar "Jehovahnissi," meaning "The Lord is my banner," Moses acknowledges God as the source of their triumph and as a continuing symbol of guidance and protection.
- **Covenant Relationship:** The act underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, with the altar serving as a physical reminder of God's promises and the people's commitment to Him.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **The Exodus:** Exodus 17:15 is set within the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The people, led by Moses, have recently been delivered from slavery in Egypt and are in the wilderness, facing various challenges.
- **Conflict with the Amalekites:** The specific historical event referenced is the battle against the Amalekites, a nomadic tribe that attacked the Israelites without provocation. This battle is significant because it is the first major conflict faced by the Israelites after their liberation from Egypt.
- **God's Intervention:** During the battle, Moses stands on a hill with the staff of God in his hands, symbolizing God's presence and support. As long as his hands are raised, the Israelites are successful in battle. This miraculous assistance highlights God's direct involvement in the affairs of His people.
- **Permanent Memorial:** The construction of the altar serves as a permanent memorial to this divine intervention, ensuring that future generations would remember and honor God's role in their history.

In summary, Exodus 17:15 encapsulates the themes of divine deliverance, the importance of worship and memorializing God's deeds, and the special relationship between God and Israel. It is set against the backdrop of the Israelites' formative years in the wilderness, immediately following their exodus from Egypt, and marks a significant military victory that is attributed to God's power and faithfulness.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H4872
   There are 704 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מֹשֶׁה
   Transliteration: Môsheh
   Pronunciation: mo-sheh'
   Description: from מָשָׁה; drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver; Moses.
   
2. Strong's Number: H1129
   There are 345 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בָּנָה
   Transliteration: bânâh
   Pronunciation: baw-naw'
   Description: a primitive root; to build (literally and figuratively); (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely.
   
3. Strong's Number: H4196
   There are 338 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִזְבֵּחַ
   Transliteration: mizbêach
   Pronunciation: miz-bay'-akh
   Description: from זָבַח; an altar; altar.
   
4. Strong's Number: H7121
   There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָרָא
   Transliteration: qârâʼ
   Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
   Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
   
5. Strong's Number: H8034
   There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֵׁם
   Transliteration: shêm
   Pronunciation: shame
   Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3071
   There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה נִסִּי
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh niççîy
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw' nis-see'
   Description: from יְהֹוָה and נֵס with the prononimal suffix; Jehovah (is) my banner; Jehovah-Nissi, a symbolical name of an altar in the Desert; Jehovah-nissi.