Exodus 17:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Moses' construction of an altar and its naming "Jehovahnissi" after Israel's decisive victory over the Amalekites at Rephidim serves as a profound theological declaration. This immediate act of worship memorializes God's active presence and intervention as the sole source of Israel's triumph, signifying Him as their divine banner and rallying standard in battle. It underscores the foundational truth that the Lord Himself fights for His people, providing both protection and the guarantee of victory against formidable foes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 17:15 concludes the narrative of Israel's first major military engagement following their exodus from Egypt. Preceding this verse, [Exodus 17:8-13](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-13 - The Battle with Amalek") details the unprovoked attack by the Amalekites at Rephidim. The victory hinged not on Israel's military might, but on Moses' intercessory posture, with his hands uplifted, supported by Aaron and Hur. When Moses' hands were up, Israel prevailed; when they dropped, Amalek gained the upper hand. This divine dependency, culminating in Joshua's successful leadership on the battlefield, sets the stage for Moses' immediate response of worship and memorialization, acknowledging God as the true victor and the source of their strength. The subsequent [Exodus 17:16](/exodus/17-16 "Exodus 17:16 - God's Oath Against Amalek") reveals God's perpetual enmity towards Amalek, further emphasizing the spiritual significance of this conflict and the lasting nature of God's commitment to His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amalekites were a nomadic, predatory people, descendants of Esau (as seen in [Genesis 36:12](/genesis/36-12 "Genesis 36:12 - Amalek's Genealogy")), known for their fierce and opportunistic attacks on vulnerable travelers. Their assault on the rear of the weary Israelite camp, targeting the weakest (as noted in [Deuteronomy 25:17-18](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-18 - Remember Amalek")), was a direct challenge to God's covenant people and His protective presence. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, altars were common structures for worship, sacrifice, and commemoration, often built at significant locations to mark divine encounters or major events. The naming of a monument or place after a divine attribute or event was also a customary practice, serving as a perpetual reminder of a deity's character or action. Moses' action aligns with these cultural norms, but imbues them with a unique theological significance, declaring the specific character of Yahweh as Israel's "Banner" in a manner that would resonate deeply with a people constantly facing threats in the wilderness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jehovah (Hebrew, _YHWH_):** This is the sacred, personal, covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh and rendered "LORD" in English translations. It signifies God's self-existence ("I AM WHO I AM" from [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name Revealed")), His eternal nature, and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The use of this name here underscores that the victory was not merely a generic divine act, but a specific demonstration of the covenant God's power on behalf of His chosen people.
* **Nissi (Hebrew, _nissī_):** Derived from the Hebrew noun `nes` (נֵס), meaning "banner," "standard," "ensign," or "pole." In military contexts, a `nes` was a rallying point, a flag or standard around which an army gathered for identity, direction, and inspiration. It symbolized the presence and authority of the leader, and often, the hope of victory. By calling God "Nissi," Moses declares that God Himself is Israel's true rallying point, their visible sign of protection, their source of courage, and the guarantor of their triumph. He is not merely *like* a banner, but *is* their Banner.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses built an altar,"**: This act signifies immediate worship and commemoration. An altar was a place of encounter with God, where sacrifices were offered, and covenants were remembered or renewed. Building it immediately after the victory emphasizes that the triumph was divinely wrought and required a tangible response of gratitude and devotion. It serves as a permanent memorial, a physical reminder for generations to come of God's intervention.
* **"and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:"**: The naming of the altar is the central theological declaration of the verse. "Jehovahnissi" (The LORD is my Banner) encapsulates the profound truth revealed in the preceding battle. It's a statement of trust, dependence, and worship, acknowledging that God Himself was the standard around which Israel rallied, the source of their strength, and the one who secured their victory. This name becomes a lasting testimony to God's character as the protector and leader of His people in spiritual and physical warfare.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the altar serving as a tangible symbol of worship, remembrance, and divine encounter. Its very construction points to the sacred nature of the event and the need to acknowledge God's hand. The name "Jehovahnissi" itself is a powerful **metaphor**, portraying God as a "banner" or "standard." This metaphor evokes imagery of a military standard, a rallying point that provides identity, direction, and courage to an army. It implies that God is the visible sign of His presence, the source of victory, and the one around whom His people gather. Furthermore, the act of **naming** the altar is a form of **commemoration**, ensuring that the memory of God's deliverance and His character as "Jehovahnissi" would be preserved and passed down through generations, serving as a perpetual reminder of His faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 17:15 profoundly reveals God's active involvement in the battles of His people, establishing Him as the ultimate source of victory and protection. The naming of the altar "Jehovahnissi" is a theological declaration that God Himself is the "Banner" around which His people rally, signifying His leadership, presence, and the guarantee of triumph. This concept extends beyond physical warfare to encompass all forms of spiritual and personal struggle, teaching believers to look to the Lord as their standard and refuge. It also highlights the importance of worship and remembrance as appropriate responses to divine deliverance, ensuring that God's faithfulness is not forgotten but celebrated and passed on.

* [Psalm 60:4](/psalms/60-4 "Psalm 60:4 - God Gives a Banner to Those Who Fear Him")
* [Isaiah 11:10](/isaiah/11-10 "Isaiah 11:10 - The Root of Jesse as an Ensign for the Peoples")
* [Psalm 20:5](/psalms/20-5 "Psalm 20:5 - We Will Lift Up Our Banners in the Name of Our God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The declaration "Jehovahnissi" resonates deeply with believers today, offering profound insights into God's unchanging character and our posture of faith. In a world fraught with challenges—be they spiritual battles, personal struggles, or societal pressures—this verse calls us to remember where our true strength and victory lie. We are not to rely on our own might, wisdom, or resources, but to rally around the Lord, acknowledging Him as our supreme standard and the one who fights on our behalf. Just as Moses built a physical altar of remembrance, we are called to establish "altars" in our lives—practices of worship, gratitude, and intentional reflection—that remind us of God's past faithfulness and strengthen our trust for future trials. This name encourages us to live in a posture of dependence, knowing that when we face daunting opposition, we can confidently declare, "The LORD is my Banner," and find our identity, protection, and ultimate triumph in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to declare "Jehovahnissi" and trust God as your banner?**
* **What "altars of remembrance" can you build in your life to consistently recall God's past faithfulness?**
* **How does understanding God as your "Banner" change your approach to facing challenges and spiritual warfare?**
* **What does it mean practically to "rally around" the Lord in your daily walk?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Moses building an altar after the battle?**

Answer: The building of the altar by Moses immediately after the victory over the Amalekites in [Exodus 17:8-13](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-13 - The Battle of Rephidim") was an act of profound worship and commemoration. In ancient Israelite practice, altars were places of sacrifice and encounter with God. By building this altar, Moses was not merely creating a monument to a military success, but rather acknowledging that the victory was entirely God's doing. It served as a tangible, lasting memorial to God's intervention, power, and faithfulness on behalf of His people, ensuring that future generations would remember that it was the Lord who fought for them, not their own strength or strategy. It marked the place as sacred, consecrated by God's saving action.

**Does the name "Jehovahnissi" appear elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: The specific compound name "Jehovahnissi" (or Yahweh Nissi) only appears once in the Bible, in [Exodus 17:15](/exodus/17-15 "Exodus 17:15 - Moses Names the Altar Jehovahnissi"). However, the underlying concept of God as a "banner," "standard," or "refuge" is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. For example, [Psalm 60:4](/psalms/60-4 "Psalm 60:4 - God Gives a Banner") speaks of God giving a banner to those who fear Him. The prophet Isaiah frequently refers to the Messiah as an "ensign" or "banner" for the nations, indicating His role as a rallying point for all peoples (e.g., [Isaiah 11:10](/isaiah/11-10 "Isaiah 11:10 - The Root of Jesse as an Ensign") and [Isaiah 49:22](/isaiah/49-22 "Isaiah 49:22 - God Lifts Up a Standard for the Nations")). This demonstrates that while the precise name is unique to this event, the theological truth it conveys is foundational and pervasive throughout biblical revelation.

**Why was the victory over Amalek so significant that it warranted this special naming?**

Answer: The victory over Amalek was profoundly significant for several reasons, warranting the special naming of the altar. Firstly, it was Israel's first major military engagement as a free nation, an unprovoked attack on their vulnerable rear (as noted in [Deuteronomy 25:17-18](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-18 - Remember Amalek")). The manner of the victory, dependent on Moses' uplifted hands and divine intervention, clearly demonstrated that God was actively fighting for His people. This established a critical precedent for Israel's wilderness journey and future conquests, teaching them that their success relied entirely on God's presence and power. Furthermore, God declared perpetual war against Amalek ([Exodus 17:16](/exodus/17-16 "Exodus 17:16 - God's Oath Against Amalek")), signifying Amalek as a symbol of spiritual opposition to God's people throughout history. Thus, "Jehovahnissi" became a foundational statement about God's character as the divine warrior and protector against all spiritual enemies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The altar named "Jehovahnissi" in Exodus 17:15 powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "Banner" for humanity in Jesus Christ. Just as the standard of "Jehovahnissi" rallied Israel to victory against a formidable foe, Christ is the divine standard around whom all believers gather for salvation and triumph over sin, death, and the devil. His cross, lifted up on Calvary, serves as the ultimate banner, drawing all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Lifted Up")). He is our true rallying point, the one who fights our spiritual battles and guarantees our victory, not through human strength, but through His perfect sacrifice and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing Over Principalities and Powers")). In Christ, we find our identity, our protection, and our eternal hope. He is the "Root of Jesse" who stands as an "ensign for the peoples" ([Isaiah 11:10](/isaiah/11-10 "Isaiah 11:10 - The Root of Jesse as an Ensign")), fulfilling the ancient prophecy and inviting all nations to find refuge and victory under His sovereign rule. Our worship and remembrance, like Moses' altar, are now directed to Him, recognizing Him as our conquering Lord, our ever-present help, and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 22:14

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

Judges 6:24

Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it [is] yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Psalms 60:4

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

Genesis 33:20

And he erected there an altar, and called it Elelohe-Israel.